|
Trending Topics
|
Source: https://www.ynetnews.com/article/sjxvprdc11x#autoplay
IDF Reduces Planned Hizbullah Large-Scale Rocket Attack
(Ynet News) Elisha Ben Kimon - Hizbullah intends to carry out large-scale rocket barrages every few days in an effort to sow panic among the Israeli public. On Tuesday, the IDF identified preparations for such a barrage and warned that more fire than usual was expected. At the same time, the military acted to thwart and disrupt as many launches as possible, striking launchers mounted on mobile trucks. These vehicles are central to Hizbullah's rocket capabilities and their numbers are limited. The IDF said Hizbullah had planned to fire twice as many rockets as were ultimately launched. Hizbullah fired more than 100 rockets on Tuesday, most of which were intercepted or otherwise neutralized. Northern Command has identified changes in Hizbullah's operating methods. The group, which is now left largely with short-range rockets, previously concentrated its weapons in several large depots to enable simultaneous heavy barrages. It has since shifted to dispersing its weapons, making it harder for intelligence agencies to track the many sites. Launchers have been dispersed across rural compounds in Shiite villages, often inside homes. While there has been an increase in Hizbullah rocket fire, the impact has been limited because most launches do not cross the border. At the start of the war, Hizbullah fired 100 rockets per day; in recent days, that number has risen to 150, with 60% falling short of Israeli territory. The IDF said Hizbullah fighters are not engaging in close-quarters combat; instead, they are conducting defensive fighting and retreating when Israeli forces advance. Troops have found bags containing improvised explosive devices that had not yet been deployed, underscoring the Lebanese army's insufficient efforts to disarm Hizbullah. As a result, Israel is seeking to establish a more substantial defensive buffer along the border. Troops are advancing cautiously, using robots to scan areas before entering them, alongside airstrikes and artillery fire.