According to the reports, the two leaders highlighted the importance to make efforts on all levels to end the escalation that would complicate the situation, increase the cycle of violence and reduce the chances of achieving peace in the region.

The security situation escalated as a result of the continuation of the Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip and the Wednesday clashes between Lebanon's militant group Hezbollah and Israeli forces.

On June 25, Palestinian militant groups seized an Israeli soldier Galid Shalit in a cross-border attack, demanding Israel release Palestinian prisoners in its jails to get back the captive soldier.

As Israel was exerting efforts to free Shalit by pressing a large-scale ground and air operation into the Gaza strip, Israeli troops traded fire with Hizbollah militia across the border on Wednesday morning after at least two rockets fired by Hizbollah hit northern Israel, wounding four Israelis.

Israeli tanks then shelled Hizbollah strongholds and military aircraft pounded bridges and a power plant in southern Lebanon.

During the clashes, Hizbollah claimed that it had kidnapped two Israeli soldiers, also demanding Israel release prisoners held in Israeli jails in exchange for the two soldiers.