Israel to manufacture heavy bombs domestically: Report
Frustrated by interruptions in some arms shipments during the war, Israel plans to manufacture more weaponry at home, including heavy bombs, reports local newspaper Israel Hayom.
One weapon it will focus its production efforts on is a 1-tonne, unguided “dumb” bomb similar to the US-made Mark 84 – but the process could take several years, according to the newspaper. In May, the US suspended delivery of this bomb type over concerns it would be used during Israel’s invasion of Rafah.
In addition, Israel also plans to ramp up domestic production of armaments such as tank ammunition and shells, the report says.
House arrest requested for Israeli soldiers accused in prison rape case
Israel’s military prosecution has requested that five Israeli soldiers accused of gang-raping a Palestinian detainee be released to house arrest while the investigation into them continues, said the military in a statement.
The request would keep the soldiers under detention until August 22, according to the military.
The Times of Israel, quoting the soldiers’ defence team, reported the house arrest arrangement is part of an agreement struck between the prosecution and defence, to be presented before a military court later today.
As we’ve reported, five Israeli soldiers are under investigation for allegedly gang-raping a Palestinian at the Sde Teiman detention centre in the Negev desert. The case is backed up by a video of soldiers at the facility allegedly abusing a Palestinian, who was left hospitalised and unable to walk, according to Israeli media.
Fitch’s credit rating cut is ‘a severe blow’ to Israeli economy: Golan
Israeli Labor Party chairman says the credit ratings agency’s move, together with the widening budget deficit, “will hurt the pocket of each” citizen.
“Prices will rise again and the cost of living will skyrocket again,” Yair Golan wrote on X.
Golan added: “The downgrading of the credit rating will hurt first and foremost the weak strata, because the government will demand further cuts in welfare, health and education.”
Fitch also kept Israel’s rating outlook negative, meaning a further downgrade is possible.
PM downplays Fitch’s credit rating cut
Israeli PM Netanyahu says he expects the downgraded rating given by the agency would be upgraded again once Israel wins the war.
“Israel’s economy is strong and is functioning very well,” Netanyahu said in a statement. He added: “The rating downgrade is a result of Israel dealing with a multi-front war forced upon it.”
Political leaders in the Israeli opposition have slammed the government for Fitch’s move. Fitch, which cut the rating from A+ to A, also kept Israel’s rating outlook negative, suggesting a further downgrade is possible.
