Israel uses medieval trebuchet weapon to ignite Lebanese bushes

Israeli soldiers were filmed firing a trebuchet, a lever to throw projectiles used during ancient and mediaeval warfare, along the Lebanese border. 

Footage circulated on social media showed troops launching incendiaries across the border using a trebuchet, in an attempt to burn Lebanese vegetation and thickets. 

The Israeli army confirmed on Thursday that the footage was genuine, but said the weapon would not be used widely. 

"This is a local initiative and not a tool that has come into widespread use," the military said in a statement. 

"The area on the Lebanese border is characterised by boulders, thickets, and dense thorn vegetation, which poses a challenge to the IDF forces deployed in defence."

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