Israeli soldiers stationed on the northern border have been seen using a medieval-style trebuchet to launch flaming projectiles into Lebanon. This unusual tactic aims to prevent Hezbollah fighters from infiltrating southern Israel by igniting plantations along the border. A viral video showing the trebuchet in action has sparked curiosity and debate about its purpose amidst the ongoing conflict.
The six-second video, widely shared on social media, depicts soldiers operating a trebuchet to hurl flaming balls over a concrete barrier. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the device’s use, noting it was a local initiative and not a standard military tactic. The trebuchet, mounted on a small wheeled trailer, appears to be around 12 feet tall and constructed from commercially available materials. Soldiers can be seen readying another flaming projectile while one holds a fire extinguisher as a precaution against misfires.
MEDIEVAL WARFARE IN THE HOLY LAND AGAIN??
I just wanted to attach a few videos that have been going viral. We see our soldiers using a medieval-style trebuchet, slings, and bow and arrows to launch flaming projectiles over the border wall into Lebanon to start brush fires.… pic.twitter.com/qUuWX6PwgI
— Raylan Givens (@JewishWarrior13) June 14, 2024
The IDF explained that the medieval siege weapon was likely used to clear dense vegetation and underbrush along the border, which Hezbollah fighters might use for cover. The rugged terrain, filled with boulders and thick foliage, poses significant challenges to Israeli forces. Burning the vegetation aims to improve visibility and make it harder for militants to approach the border undetected.
While the use of such an archaic weapon may seem anachronistic in a modern conflict, the IDF emphasized that the trebuchet is not part of its standard arsenal and will not be used again.
Israeli media outlets have confirmed that some IDF units operating along the border with Lebanon are now using unorthodox methods to “clear brush” along the border to “prevent H▪️zbollah fighters from infiltrating” into Israel as tensions between the two have escalated in the… pic.twitter.com/9Rkc8F4fYN
— Real News No Bullshit (@NewsNotBs) June 13, 2024
Expanded Coverage:
