BAGHDAD –
Iran-backed Shiite armed groups in Iraq have stepped up missile and rocket attacks on Israel in recent weeks, raising concerns in Washington and among some Iranian allies about possible Israeli retaliation and regional escalation if they spill blood.
Although Western officials and Israeli experts do not see the attacks, often from hundreds of miles away, as as big a threat to Israel as outright attacks by Hamas and Hezbollah, they have increased in number and sophistication.
At least two hit their targets, and many had to be shot down by U.S. and Israeli defenses, according to U.S. officials and public statements from the Israeli military.
