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Egypt Independent
14 hours ago
- Business
- Egypt Independent
In blow to Israel's energy lifeline, Iranian missile strikes key Israeli refinery
Iran targeted Israel's Haifa oil refinery with a hypersonic missile in a precise strike as part of 'Operation True Promise III.' This action was a direct response to previous Israeli strikes against Iranian military commanders and nuclear sites. Key refinery Israeli media revealed Monday morning that the targeted Haifa refinery, operated within the Bazan chemicals complex, is Israel's largest, processing approximately 10 million tons of crude oil annually, equivalent to 200,000 barrels per day. It also supplies energy and petroleum products to Europe. Located in the eastern industrial zone of Haifa city in northern Israel, the Haifa refinery is one of the oldest and most vital facilities in Israel's energy sector. Managed by the Bazan Group, it forms part of the petrochemical complex in Haifa Bay and plays a pivotal role in refining crude oil into advanced petroleum products. The refinery produces a wide array of products, including gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, lubricants, and petrochemicals, with a significant portion re-exported to European markets, making it a strategically important regional target. The Haifa refinery is also known for its advanced facilities, which include hydrocracking units, chemical processing, and extensive pipelines connecting it to ports and distribution plants. Despite environmental controversies regarding its impact on city residents, the refinery remains one of the most crucial sources of Israel's national energy income. According to a statement from the Bazan Group, pipelines within the complex sustained localized damage from the shelling. Refinery operations continued, though some other units were shut down as a precautionary measure. Bazan confirmed no human casualties. Iran's Mehr News Agency reported flames rising from the facility, indicating fires and explosions following the missile strike. An official Iranian TV channel also confirmed the strike was carried out with a hypersonic missile, marking a significant escalation in the mutual attacks. Iran strikes back Iranian attacks persisted over the past hours, with Iranian armed forces targeting strategic locations in northern and central Israel, including the ammonia plant at Haifa Port, the power generation station, and Nevatim Air Base near Tel Aviv. The Israel Broadcasting Authority reported 100 injuries and five fatalities among civilians and military personnel as a result of these attacks. Ambrey, a British maritime security firm, reported that infrastructure at Haifa Port was damaged by missile bombardment, confirming the observation of intense fires around the power station. This comes as Israeli authorities announced that air defense systems failed to intercept at least ten missiles that struck Tel Aviv and Haifa. Over the past few hours, powerful explosions were heard across Jerusalem, prompting emergency services to declare a state of maximum alert. The Home Front Command issued urgent instructions to residents to seek shelter and refrain from sharing any footage of strike sites on social media, warning that the enemy could use such footage to improve targeting accuracy later. Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that its recent attacks successfully disabled multi-layered Israeli defense systems using modern military techniques and methods. Iran's Fars News Agency published a video clip showing the moment missiles were launched and impacted the targeted facilities. The Iranian attacks followed days of extensive Israeli escalation, which included dozens of airstrikes using drones and missiles on sites inside Iran. These targets included nuclear facilities in Natanz and Isfahan, government headquarters in Tehran, and Mashhad Airport in the east of the country, resulting in dozens of deaths, including several IRGC commanders. Rising death toll Iran's Ministry of Health officially announced that the death toll from Israeli attacks since Friday has reached 224, with over 1,000 injured, noting that more than 90 percent of the victims are civilians. Additionally, Iran's Mehr News Agency reported the downing of an Israeli drone in Ilam province, western Iran. In response, the Israeli army stated that the Iranian retaliation was anticipated and had been monitored from the first moment. They affirmed that Israel would respond forcefully to any threat to its national security. Preliminary assessments suggest that the Iranian strikes against energy facilities could negatively impact energy flow to Europe,especially given the strategic importance of the Haifa refinery as a major hub for exporting fuel and its derivatives. Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
Irish Daily Mirror
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Israel's inclusion in Eurovision explained as country faces calls to be banned
Yuval Raphael, 25, is set to fly the flag for Israel at this year's Eurovision Song Contest with her track 'New Day Will Rise'. Hailing from Ra'anana, just outside Tel Aviv, Yuval kicked off her career in 2024 on the TV talent show HaKokhav HaBa. The songstress has opened up about 'practising being booed' in preparation for Eurovision, amidst calls for Israel's ban from the contest due to the ongoing Gaza conflict. Despite not being a European nation, Israel's inclusion in Eurovision comes courtesy of its Israel Broadcasting Authority's membership in the European Broadcasting Union. This affiliation has allowed Israel to join the competition since 1973, bagging four wins along the way: in 1978 and 1979 with tunes 'A-Ba-Ni-Bi' by Izhar Cohen and the Alphabeta, and 'Hallelujah' by Milk and Honey, then in 1998 with Dana International's 'Diva', and most recently in 2018 with Netta's 'Toy', reports the Express. Yuval has expressed that representing her country at Eurovision feels "like a personal win, just to be having this experience and representing my country and doing it with such pride". Her journey to Eurovision is nothing short of miraculous, considering she nearly lost her life during a Hamas attack at the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023. Yuval found shelter in a concrete bombproof hideout alongside around 50 others as Hamas militants fired into their refuge. She emerged as one of the 11 survivors. The rules of Eurovision mean no political statements can be made so she will not discuss this experience when promoting her entry. But, Yuval will perform her song New Day Will Rise will shrapnel in her leg from the day of the attack. Speaking about how she is dealing with backlash over Israel's inclusion, she told the BBC: "Everybody has opinions. Im really putting everything aside and just concentrating on the most important thing. The slogan this year is 'united by music' and that's what we are here for." She added the opening parade for the content was "scary at times, even uncomfortable, but it makes me keep reminding myself why I'm here and my agenda". Yuval concluded: "[I'm] spreading as much love as I can and bringing pride to my country."
