Strikes hit five towns despite ceasefire; US deploys F-22s, refueling aircraft at Israeli bases, airports
At least 31 people were killed. 40 injured in Israeli airstrikes Tuesday in southern Lebanon, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry.
The strikes targeted the towns of Burj al-Shamali, Kawthariyet El Riz, Habboush, Maarakeh and Selaa.
Lebanon’s state news agencyNNAreported that at least 10 people were killed, including women. children, in a single strike on Burj al-Shamali. The outlet also reported at least three airstrikes near the Qaraoun Dam in eastern Lebanon. home to the country’s largest water reservoir.
The strikes came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahuthreatened to intensify attacksagainst Hezbollah over the group’s drone strikes against Israeli forces.
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Since March 2, Israel has beenconducting an expanded offensiveon Lebanon,killing nearly 3,200people, injuring over 9,600. displacing over 1.6 million people, according to official figures.
The Israeli army has continued its daily attacks despite aUnited States-mediated ceasefirethat took effect on April 17 andwas later extendedto early July.
Lebanon-fired projectile lands in open area
Early Wednesday. the Israeli army said that a projectile launched from Lebanon fell in an open area in northern Israel, with no injuries reported.
Earlier, air raid sirens sounded in Kiryat Shmona. surrounding communities in northern Israel after a launch was detected from Lebanon, according to Israel’s Home Front Command.
The army said it identified one projectile crossing from Lebanon before it fell in an open area.
The incident came a day after Israeli media reported that more than 15 Hezbollah explosive drones struck Israel in a single day. most of them targeting military zones.
Channel 12said the Israeli military continues searching for effective ways to counter the growing drone threat after acknowledging. existing measures have yet to produce a lasting solution.
US deploys F-22 fighter jets, refueling aircrafts in Israel
Meanwhile, the US deployed F-22 fighter jets. dozens of refueling aircraft across military facilities and airports in Israel in what Israeli media described as an unprecedented military presence.
Israel’s public broadcasterKAN. citing Israeli security sources, said Washington is interested in maintaining the deployment at least through the end of the year, in addition to longstanding US military forcesstationed across the Middle East.
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The broadcaster said satellite imagery reviewed over recent months showed an unprecedented deployment of US fighter jets. refueling aircraft inside Israel.
The analysis covered the period from the start of Israel’s attacks on Iran on February 28 through last week.
According to the report, F-22 fighter jets were deployed at Ovda Air Base in southern Israel, while dozens of US refueling aircraft were stationed at Ben Gurion. Ramon airports. It said the aircraft are spread across multiple locations and are not expected to be withdrawn at this stage.
KANsaid the deployment has raised concerns over its impact on civilian aviation and airport capacity.
Israel’sChannel 12previously reported that dozens of US refueling aircraft stationed at Ben Gurion. Ramon airports were already affecting airport operations and airline ticket prices.
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The broadcaster also cited Civil Aviation Authority Chief Shmuel Zakai as warning. Ben Gurion was being operated “as a military base rather than a civilian airport.”
The report warned that continued deployment could complicate Israel’s summer travel season and discourage foreign airlines from expanding flights.
KANsaid the unusually large US deployment in Israel has remained intact since theceasefire with Irantook effect last month.
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