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The US believes that Iran is “preparing to imminently launch a ballistic missile attack against Israel”, a US official said on Tuesday, warning of “severe consequences” if the attack were to be carried out.

The warning came as Israel launched a ground offensive in Lebanon on Tuesday, intensifying its campaign against Hizbollah after launching waves of devastating air strikes against the Lebanese militant group.

As Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza has lowered in intensity, its military has shifted its focus to the confrontation with Hizbollah, as well as stepping up strikes on other Iranian proxies elsewhere in the region.

The regional escalation has been accompanied by a ratcheting up of Israel’s rhetoric, with officials talking about “defeating” Hizbollah and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledging last week to “change the balance of power in the region for years”.

This is a developing story