Iran preparing to launch ballistic missile attack on Israel, US says

The US has indications that Iran is preparing to imminently launch a ballistic missile attack against Israel, according to a senior White House official.

The US is actively supporting preparations to defend Israel against the possible attack, which would carry severe consequences for Iran, said the official, who asked not to be identified.

The warning comes after Israeli forces moved into southern Lebanon in an escalation of its campaign against Tehran-backed Hezbollah.

Troops began what Israel said were “targeted ground raids” shortly before midnight local time alongside air strikes in Beirut’s southern suburbs, and the army later reported “intense fighting”.

Hezbollah fired a salvo of rockets in response and millions of Israelis moved to shelters, the Israel Defense Forces has said.