Israel said Thursday that it had obtained an $8.7 billion aid package from the United States to support its current war efforts and maintain its qualitative military superiority in the region, amid a major Israeli escalation of the attack on Lebanon and the continuation of the war in Gaza.

The package includes $3.5 billion allocated to basic purchases related to the war effort that Israel has already received, and allocated to important military purchases, and $5.2 billion allocated to air defense systems, including the Iron Dome anti-missile system and an advanced laser system.

The Israeli Ministry of Defense said in a statement that the announcement of assistance came after negotiations in the US Department of Defense (the Pentagon) between Eyal Zamir, Director General of the Israeli Ministry of Defense, and American defense officials, including Acting Undersecretary of Defense for Policy, Amanda Dorey.

She added, "This important investment will significantly enhance vital systems such as Iron Dome and David's Sling, while supporting the continued development of a powerful laser-operated defense system that is in an advanced development stage."

The ministry said that the agreement confirms “the strong and enduring strategic partnership between Israel and the United States and the strict commitment to Israel’s security,” especially in confronting regional security threats from Iran and the armed groups it supports.

"The diplomatic solution still exists"

 In turn, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said Thursday that there is a risk of an all-out war breaking out between the Lebanese Hezbollah group and Israel, but he added that the diplomatic solution “still exists.”

America recorded a position contrary to Israel regarding how to deal with Hezbollah, and this was evident in the days preceding the Israeli strikes on Lebanon amid warnings of pushing the region towards war.

Austin said after a meeting with his British and Australian counterparts in London, "We now face the danger of an all-out war. Another all-out war (that could) be devastating to both Israel and Lebanon."

Austin continued, "So let me be clear... Israel and Lebanon can choose another path, and despite the sharp escalation in the past few days, the diplomatic solution still exists."

When asked about the red lines of Washington’s support for Israel, Austin responded that the United States will not change its commitment to helping Israel protect itself and its territorial sovereignty.