💥 IDF OPERATIONS IN SOUTHERN LEBANON: Troops of the Multidimensional Unit (888) continue operating south of the Forward Defense Line to remove threats to Israeli civilians. During recent operations, the troops identified and eliminated two armed Hezbollah terrorists who posed an immediate threat, using a precise UAV strike.
Additional terrorists were identified inside structures in the area and eliminated in a follow-up strike conducted with the Israeli Air Force.
The troops are also locating and dismantling Hezbollah missile launchers using the unit’s technological capabilities.
🔴 ROCKET FIRE TOWARD NORTHERN ISRAEL: Sirens sounded in Avivim after approximately six launches were fired from Lebanon toward Israeli territory. The Israeli Air Force intercepted one projectile, while the results of the additional interceptions remain under review. No casualties were reported.
⚠️ MERON CLOSED DUE TO SECURITY THREAT: Israel has cancelled this year’s Lag BaOmer celebration at Mount Meron due to ongoing Hezbollah rocket and drone fire in the north.
Police declared the area a closed military zone, with access blocked until May 6. Meron is located about 10 km from the Lebanon border.
🇺🇸 U.S.-IRAN TENSIONS AND RESPONSE SIGNALS: President Trump said he will soon review Iran’s proposal but expressed doubt it will be acceptable, stating:
"I will soon be reviewing the plan that Iran has just sent to us, but can’t imagine that it would be acceptable in that they have not yet paid a big enough price for what they have done to Humanity, and the World, over the last 47 years."
Reuters reports that Trump also said there is a possibility of resuming attacks on Iran. At a separate event, he added:
"The negotiations have dragged on for too long. Honestly, we might be better off without a deal at all."
🔱 U.S. NAVAL ACTIVITY AND HORMUZ CONTEXT: US CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper visited sailors and Marines aboard the USS Tripoli (LHA 7) in the Arabian Sea, inspecting operational areas and engaging with personnel.
The visit follows a recent briefing to President Trump on Iran-related plans. Sources indicate the ship’s Marine contingent could support potential Strait of Hormuz operations amid the ongoing U.S. naval blockade southeast of the strait.
♟️ ISRAELI MILITARY PREPARATIONS FOR IRAN SCENARIOS: Channel 12 reports that the IDF is intensifying preparations for a possible U.S. strike on Iran if economic and maritime pressure fails to secure an agreement.
Israel is preparing for potential Iranian retaliation regardless of whether Washington conducts limited Hormuz operations or broader strikes. Recent airlifts delivered thousands of munitions via transport aircraft.
Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir coordinated with his CENTCOM counterpart on operational scenarios.
🛡️ SECURITY CABINET MEETING CANCELLED: Tonight’s Israeli security cabinet meeting has been cancelled, with no further details provided.
✈️ ISRAEL ADVANCES MAJOR FIGHTER JET PROCUREMENT: The Defense Ministry approved the purchase of two additional fighter jet squadrons from the United States, including F-35I and F-15IA aircraft, in deals valued at tens of billions of shekels.
The plan includes acquiring a fourth F-35I squadron from Lockheed Martin and a second F-15IA squadron from Boeing. The aircraft are intended to strengthen long-term force development and preserve Israel’s strategic air superiority.
Following the procurement, the Israeli Air Force is expected to reach approximately 100 F-35I jets and 50 F-15IA jets in the coming years.
Defense Minister Israel Katz said:
"The lessons from the Iran war compel us to accelerate the building of our forces in order to ensure our air superiority in the coming decades."
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