Tensions over Syria ratcheted up a notch on Tuesday after Russia's Defense Ministry said it detected traces of ballistic "objects" —now claimed by Israel — launched from an area in the central Mediterranean and moving in an easterly direction.

After some initial confusion over who was responsible, the Israeli military said it was behind the launch, saying it was carrying out a joint missile test with the United States, reports from the BBC and Reuters said.

However, it was not immediately clear to what extent the U.S. was involved in the missile test. Earlier, CBS News tweeted that a U.S. official confirmed that American ships or planes were not involved in the missile launches.

Separately, Pentagon spokesman Navy Commander William Speaks told the Associated Press: "I have nothing to confirm those reports whatsoever."

Israel's Defense Ministry told the AP that a single missile was fired but gave no other details. It said the test was "successful."

Russia's state-run Interfax news agency said the "targets fell into the sea."

The Russian embassy in Syria said there was no sign of a missile attack or explosions in Damascus.

Russia's Defense Ministry declined comment.

Moscow said the launch was detected at 10:16 a.m. local time (2:16 a.m. ET).

The development comes as Congress prepares to hold a vote on whether the U.S. should take military action in Syria for the alleged use of chemical weapons by the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.