The White House said Sunday morning that US President Joe Biden is closely following events and communicating with his national security team, following Israeli attacks on Hezbollah targets.

He pointed out that senior government officials are in contact with Israeli officials.

He said: President Biden will continue to support Israel's right to defend itself.

Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin held a phone call with his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Galant.

Austin stressed that the United States stands with Israel and supports its right to defend itself.

Galant said the preemptive attack was aimed at removing a direct threat.