A senior U.S. administration official has indicated that Iran is preparing to "imminently" launch a ballistic missile attack on Israel. The official, who requested anonymity to discuss sensitive information, emphasized that the United States is actively supporting Israeli defensive preparations in anticipation of this potential threat.

The warning comes in the wake of escalating tensions in the region and follows the Israeli military's announcement of limited ground operations against Hezbollah along the Lebanese border.

The US believes that a potential attack from Iran tonight would be similar to the attack launched by Tehran in April, CNN reported, citing a U.S. official.

According to a report by The New York Times citing three Israeli officials, an imminent Iranian assault on Israel is expected to involve a combination of drones and missiles, while a U.S. official has also predicted the use of ballistic missiles.

The anticipated attack is projected to occur “in the coming hours.”

The Israeli officials, who requested to remain anonymous, suggested that Iran is likely to focus on three military air bases and an intelligence facility located north of Tel Aviv, which has already been evacuated in preparation for the potential assault.

Sky News Arabia cited a U.S. Defense Department official as saying that Iran  informed “international parties” of the size and timing of its anticipated attack on Israel.

Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the spokesperson for the Israeli army, confirmed that U.S. intelligence has updated Israel on Iran's intentions. He stated that, so far, no aerial threats have been launched against Israel from Iranian territory. However, Hagari urged the public to adhere closely to the guidelines provided by the Home Front Command, emphasizing the importance of preparedness in the face of potential danger. He reassured Israeli citizens that the army stands ready with both defensive and offensive capabilities.

"The consequences of any Iranian fire directed at Israel will be significant," Hagari warned, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.

Later, Hagari said the anticipated missile fire from Iran is likely to be large-scale, saying that Israel is following up on the threat seriously. 

“The fire from Iran could be wide in scope,” he said in another press conference.

In light of these warnings, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation, acknowledging the "days of great challenges" that lie ahead. He urged citizens to comply strictly with the directives issued by the Home Front Command, reiterating that following these instructions can save lives. 

"What I ask of you is two things," Netanyahu stated. "One, to strictly obey the directives of the Home Front Command. It saves lives. And second, to stand together."

"We will stand firm together in the trying days ahead. Together we will stand, together we will fight, and together we will win," he concluded.