The formations of Chinese aircraft carriers Liaoning and Shandong carried out a dual aircraft carrier formation exercise for the first time in the South China Sea, according to the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy.
Aiming to enhance the integrated combat capability of the aircraft carrier formations, the exercise was part of the Liaoning aircraft carrier formation's regular real-combat training in the high seas, which concluded recently.
The training was conducted in waters including the Yellow Sea, the East China Sea and the South China Sea, featuring multiple subjects under real-combat circumstances, the navy said.
During the training, after reaching the designated sea area, several J-15 fighters took off from the flight deck of the Liaoning aircraft carrier and flew to the designated airspace to carry out realistic exercises.
Liaoning, China's first aircraft carrier, was delivered and commissioned to the PLA Navy in September 2012.
Chinese navy conducts dual aircraft carrier formation exercise for first time
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday that Israel will implement a ceasefire deal to bring a halt to its conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon, but will respond forcefully to any violation.
Netanyahu made the remarks in a televised speech after Israel’s security cabinet approved the ceasefire agreement.
The duration of the ceasefire depends on what happens in Lebanon, Netanyahu said in the address, translated from Hebrew. "We will enforce the agreement and respond forcefully to any violation."
A ceasefire agreement with Lebanon will enable Israel to focus on the threat from Iran, rebuild its forces and improve its weapons, he said, adding that Israel will make every effort to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
Earlier in the day, Israel's security cabinet held a meeting to discuss the ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah in Lebanon even as Israel launched a series of airstrikes targeting central Beirut and the city's southern suburbs on the same day, killing seven and injuring 37.
The security cabinet approved the ceasefire by a majority of ten votes to one, with far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir casting the sole dissenting vote, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office said in a statement. Israel's Channel 12 TV News reported Tuesday night that the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire deal will take effect Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. local time (0800 GMT).
Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati said on his social media account that the Lebanese caretaker government will hold a ministerial meeting on Wednesday morning to discuss the current situation and the latest trends in the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel.
Netanyahu says Israel will enforce ceasefire deal, respond forcefully to any violation
