The IDF is investigating last night's strike that eliminated two senior Hamas officials in Rafah, and the subsequent explosions nearby that tragically killed dozens of civilians.
Speaking at the Knesset today, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, "Despite our utmost efforts not to harm innocent civilians, last night, there was a tragic mistake."
Based on initial reports, Israeli officials believe a fuel tank ignited near the target of the strike shortly after it was carried out. The military said it took “many steps to reduce the chance of harming uninvolved [civilians], including aerial surveillance, the use of precision munitions, and additional intelligence information.” Based on these steps, the IDF said it didn't expect for civilians to be harmed.
This terrible tragedy, and the horrific images from Rafah, are a result of Hamas’ evil strategy of hiding its leadership, fighters, and weapons amid and beneath Palestinian civilians.
Hamas started this war by showcasing its disregard for Israeli lives, and every day since it also shows its disregard for Palestinian lives by using them as human shields.
To help bring an end to this war, international pressure on Hamas must increase to force the terror group to surrender and free the hostages.
Top urban warfare expert John Spencer posted the below today, noting Hamas’ deliberate and despicable strategy to maximize civilian suffering:
IDF intercepts two drones targeting Eilat
Israeli fighter jets and air defense systems shot down two explosive-packed drones launched by Iran-backed terrorists toward Eilat.
The Iran-backed Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility for the attacks. Neither of the drones entered Israeli airspace.
Footage on social media showed an interceptor missile downing one of the drones. Watch the video below.
Hezbollah fires dozens of rockets at northern Israel, continues daily attacks on Israeli communities
Iran's terror army in Lebanon launched 25 rockets at the northern Israeli city of Kiryat Shmona tonight. Many of the rockets were intercepted by Israel's missile defense systems.
Earlier in the day, another 35 rockets were launched by Hezbollah toward the Mount Meron area. The rockets struck in open areas, and no injuries were reported.
The IDF carried out retaliatory strikes against the rocket launchers used in the attacks, and eliminated a terrorist in the area.
Yesterday, the Israeli Air Force struck two Hezbollah cells in southern Lebanon, along with a weapons depot and other buildings used by the terror group.
Approximately 70,000 Israeli residents remain displaced from their homes in the north as Hezbollah attacks Israel daily.
The IDF said today that it carried out a drill in recent weeks simulating a ground offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon. “The exercise simulated combat scenarios in the northern arena, the rapid deployment of forces on the ground...and the readiness of the forces for an attack,” according to the military.
Iran further increases its stockpile of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels
The Iranian regime has reportedly increased its enriched uranium stockpiles to near weapons-grade, according to a new report by the International Atomic Energy Agency.
As of May 11, Iran reportedly has 313.2 pounds of uranium enriched up to 60% — an increase of 45.4 pounds since the last report by the IAEA in February.
By the IAEA's definition, around 92.5 pounds of 60%-enriched uranium is necessary to produce one bomb.
The report also says that Iran has significantly increased its overall uranium stockpile since February.
America and our allies must fully enforce sanctions on the Iranian regime and work to reimpose restrictions on Iran's nuclear program.Read more here.
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