Defense secretary postpones trip to Israel amid U.S. concerns of war with Lebanon

• In recent days the U.S. has been sending messages to Israel and Hezbollah publicly and privately about the need to stop the escalation, U.S. officials said.
• U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Thursday at the end of a meeting in Paris with the French foreign minister that the U.S. "calls on all parties to maintain restraint and avoid escalation on the border between Israel and Lebanon."

Driving the news: Austin was supposed to arrive in Israel on Sunday and meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant as well as visit several other countries in the region, Israeli officials said.

• On Wednesday, Austin spoke on the phone with Gallant, discussed the situation in Lebanon and Gaza and informed him of his decision to postpone the trip, Israeli officials said.
• A Pentagon spokesperson said that Austin told Gallant that priority should be given to reaching a deal to release the hostages held by Hamas and establish a ceasefire in Gaza, and to reach a diplomatic solution on the border with Lebanon that would allow civilians to return to their homes.
• Austin emphasized to Gallant that the U.S. supports Israel in the face of threats from Iran and Hezbollah and is committed to continuing to deter them, the Pentagon said.

What they're saying: A source with knowledge of the issue said the decision to postpone Austin's trip was a combination of the tensions in the region and the scheduling issues of some leaders in the region.

• Pentagon spokesman Gen. Pat Ryder on Thursday said "there are no trips to announce at this time."