The Israeli military is accusing Iran and its Lebanese proxy Hezbollah of stepping up attempts to build missile-production facilities in Lebanon and says these efforts are putting Lebanese civilians in danger.

The announcement comes at a time of rising tensions. In recent days, Israel has struck Iranian targets in Syria and Iraq, and Hezbollah has accused Israel of a drone strike in Lebanon.

Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus, a military spokesman, said Thursday that Israel has detected an �intensified� effort by Iran and Hezbollah to establish missile-production facilities in Lebanon. He released the names of four officials, led by an Iranian brigadier general, allegedly leading the effort.

�Iran and Hezbollah are endangering Lebanon,� he said.

Israel considers it a major escalation if Hezbollah manages to obtain large quantities of guided missiles.

(AP)