WASHINGTON 

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant discussed Washington’s force posture moves in the Middle East in a phone call Sunday.

"They discussed U.S. force posture moves that the Department (of Defense) is taking to bolster protection for U.S. forces, support the defense of Israel, and deter and de-escalate broader tensions in the region," the Pentagon said in a statement.

During the call, Austin reiterated the US’s "ironclad" support for Israel's security and right to self-defense against threats from Iran, Lebanon’s Hezbollah group and Yemen’s Houthi group.

He also expressed strong support for a Gaza cease-fire and hostage release deal, the Pentagon added.

The US will deploy additional military assets to the Middle East amid rising tensions in the region, the Pentagon announced Friday.

"The Department of Defense continues to take steps to mitigate the possibility of regional escalation by Iran or Iran's partners and proxies.

“Secretary Austin has ordered adjustments to U.S. military posture designed to improve U.S. force protection, to increase support for the defense of Israel, and to ensure the United States is prepared to respond to various contingencies,” it added.

Around 39,600 Palestinians have been killed in nearly 10 months since Israel launched a brutal onslaught against the Gaza Strip that began on Oct. 7 last year following an attack by the Palestinian resistance group Hamas.

The assault has led to increased regional tensions, with the latest escalation occurring last week when Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated during a visit to Iran.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reportedly ordered a strike on Israel in retaliation for Haniyeh’s killing.