Severe strain

Israel's chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, warned cabinet ministers that the Israel Defence Forces are under "severe strain" due to manpower shortages and expanded operational demands. It is the first public admission at this level since the war began four weeks ago.

Israel is operating simultaneously on three fronts: the air campaign against Iran, the ground and air offensive in Lebanon, and homeland defence against Iranian missiles and drones. In Lebanon, 1,116 people have been killed and over 3,200 wounded since March 2. Hezbollah has fired more than 3,500 missiles and drones at Israel. Today, 200 rockets crossed from Lebanon. An Israeli soldier was killed in ground combat in southern Lebanon.

Iran fired two rounds of missiles at Israel today; debris from interceptions fell on Herzliya, Rehovot and Petah Tikva. A luxury hotel in Herzliya was damaged by fragments. Israel has maintained a high interception rate, but interceptors run out and operational capacity has limits. Netanyahu speaks of making history. His military chief tells him the army is wearing thin. Two truths that coexist, but only one matters on the battlefield.