US warplanes, ships ready if Israel-Hezbollah war grows: Officials

Amid growing Israel-Hezbollah tensions, US officials said about 40,000 forces, at least a dozen warships and four Air Force fighter jet squadrons are spread across the region. "We’re confident in the ability that we have there right now to protect our forces and should we need to come to the defence of Israel as well," Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh said.