Connect with us

World

IDF uses medieval catapult to launch fireballs at Hezbollah: video

Published

on

IDF uses medieval catapult to launch fireballs at Hezbollah: video

The Israeli military turned to a medieval catapult to launch fireballs over the northern Lebanon border as its battle against Hezbollah terrorists intensifies, video shows.

Wild footage captures an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) unit mounting a flaming projectile onto a trebuchet, a French catapult weapon not seen in use since the 16th century.

The six-second clip shows the catapult hurling a fireball over the border wall, although it appeared not to go much farther than that.

A viral video shows IDF troops launching fireballs over the northern border.
The troops appeared to be using a makeshift trebuchet, a French catapult weapon not seen in use since the 16th century.

The IDF told Israeli broadcaster KAN that the use of the weapon was a “local initiative” and not widely used in the battle against Hezbollah terrorists in Lebanon.

The Israeli military claimed that the fireballs would allow Israel to clear the area surrounding the border that terrorists could use for cover.

“The area on the Lebanese border is characterized by boulders, thickets, and dense thorn vegetation, which poses a challenge to the IDF troops deployed in defense,” the IDF said in a statement.

While the video has been circulating on social media since Wednesday, it remains unclear when it was filmed.

The fireballs were allegedly used to clear out shrubbery where Hezbollah militants tend to hide. AFP via Getty Images
A Lebanese firefighter puts out a fire caused by an Israeli airstrike last week. AFP via Getty Images

An IDF official with knowledge of the incident said that while the weapon was not sanctioned by the Israeli military, the troops ultimately fulfilled their obligations in protecting the northern border, NBC News reported.

The weapons will allegedly not be used again, according to the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Israel has heightened its defenses around the border as daily skirmishes continue between Hezbollah and the IDF, which has led tens of thousands to evacuate northern Israel and southern Lebanon. 

Continue Reading