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#Iran Reportedly Preparing to Attack Israel Soon, U.S. and Israeli Officials Warn

The United States and Israel have warned that Iran is expected to launch an attack on Israel in the coming hours, following an Israeli ground operation in southern Lebanon aimed at Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militia. Israeli military sources confirmed Tuesday that U.S. intelligence had alerted them about Iran’s possible plans, heightening concerns of a significant escalation between the two nations.

The U.S. has announced it is actively assisting Israel with defensive preparations, with a senior White House official stating that any direct attack against Israel would result in “severe consequences for Iran.” The anticipated assault could involve both missiles and drones, U.S. officials said, prompting the American embassy in Israel to send staff home and prepare for possible strikes.

The Israeli military’s incursion into Lebanon on Monday night was a rare maneuver involving thousands of troops targeting Hezbollah strongholds along the rugged border area. In response, Hezbollah has intensified its attacks on Israel, reportedly firing missiles at the Glilot base near Tel Aviv, home to the Mossad intelligence agency.

Israel has also ramped up security measures in key cities, including Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, as it braces for possible retaliatory strikes. Meanwhile, the Pentagon announced it is deploying additional U.S. forces to the Middle East to support the 40,000 troops already in the region and to bolster Israel’s defenses.

In Iran, state media reported that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will deliver this week’s Friday sermon in Tehran—an unusual occurrence that signals the gravity of the situation and is expected to outline Iran’s strategy moving forward.

### Key Developments:

- **Lebanon Ground Operation**: Israeli forces confirmed launching “localized raids” in southern Lebanon to disrupt Hezbollah’s capabilities. The operation involves over 10,000 soldiers, with further reserves being called up for potential escalation.

- **Beirut Strikes**: The Israeli military has also resumed airstrikes in Beirut, with Lebanese media reporting explosions near the city’s airport and emergency services rushing to the scene.

- **Hezbollah’s Response**: Hezbollah has continued its strikes on Israel, targeting key military installations and raising fears of an expanding conflict.

- **U.S. Reinforcements**: The Pentagon is deploying additional troops to the region and coordinating closely with Israeli defense officials.

- **Past Conflicts**: The last significant ground conflict between Israel and Hezbollah was in 2006, a 34-day war that left over 1,000 Lebanese and 100 Israeli soldiers dead.

Tensions have been building for weeks, with Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah leaders and infrastructure in Lebanon, and Hezbollah stepping up attacks in solidarity with Hamas, another Iranian-backed militant group. This latest development could plunge the region into a broader conflict, with potentially devastating consequences for all involved.