The U.S. defense secretary added that he hoped for a diplomatic solution, while Israeli officials reiterated their threat to respond to the deadly rocket attack from Lebanon.

As the Israel-Hamas war continues, efforts to secure the release of hostages taken by the terrorist organization are ongoing, and Israeli forces have launched an assault in Khan Younis in southern Gaza. The Israel Defense Forces on Sunday said the military struck Hezbollah targets "deep inside" Lebanon overnight.

U.S. and international officials are urging both Israel and Hezbollah to exercise restraint and avoid embarking on a devastating, regional war, after a rocket strike from the Iranian-backed