U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Monday offered support to Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for "dismantling attack infrastructure" along the border with Lebanon, after Israel launched "targeted ground raids" on Hezbollah. 

"I made it clear that the United States supports Israel's right to defend itself. We agreed on the necessity of dismantling attack infrastructure along the border to ensure that Lebanese Hezbollah cannot conduct October 7-style attacks on Israel's northern communities," he said on social network X after speaking with Gallant.

He added that a diplomatic resolution is required to ensure that civilians can return safely to their homes on both sides of the border.

Austin also issued a warning to Iran of "serious consequences" should it directly attack Israel.

(With input from agencies)