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Israel hits deepest strike in Lebanon since clashes began

Israeli bombings continued across Gaza, killing scores of Palestinians
Smoke rises following an Israeli strike on southern Lebanon, as seen from Israel on 5 May 2024 (Ayal Margolin/Reuters)
Smoke rises following an Israeli strike on southern Lebanon, as seen from Israel on 5 May 2024 (Ayal Margolin/Reuters)

An Israeli air strike hit a convoy of trucks in Lebanon’s Hermel region near the border with Syria, killing several people.

The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says three Hezbollah members were among those killed.

This marks the northernmost strike on Lebanon since clashes erupted between Israel and Hezbollah on 8 October, a day after the beginning of the war in Gaza.

The Israeli army said it hit a Hezbollah compound that belonged to the group’s Unit 4400, which it says is tasked with “logistical force build-up”.

The army added that the strike was in response to Hezbollah downing an Israeli drone over south Lebanon on Monday.

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Tensions between Hezbollah and Israel has been mounting over the past weeks, with Israeli officials threatening to expand their military operations in Lebanon.

The Israeli army announced the death of four soldiers who were killed in a booby-trapped building in Rafah, southern Gaza on Monday.

This brings the Israeli army’s tally of killed soldiers in Gaza ground operations to 299.

An Israeli attack on a residential apartment in Gaza City killed eight people, mostly children, and injured several others.

Another bombing on a house in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza killed three people.

Intel to halt $25bn Israel plant

Chipmaker Intel Corp is set to halt plans for a $25bn factory in Israel, according to Israeli financial news website Calcalist.

When asked about the report, the American company cited the need to adapt big projects to changing timelines, without directly mentioning this project.

“Israel continues to be one of our key global manufacturing and R&D sites and we remain fully committed to the region,” Intel said in a statement.

“Managing large-scale projects, especially in our industry, often involves adapting to changing timelines. Our decisions are based on business conditions, market dynamics and responsible capital management.”

The planned Fab 38 plant was set to open in 2028 and operate through 2035.

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