JERUSALEM

Several Israeli soldiers were exposed to a carcinogenic substance at a military facility in central Israel following damage to the site from ongoing attacks.

Ofek Neuberger, a journalist with Israeli Army Radio, said the soldiers were exposed to asbestos for several days while carrying out duties at the damaged facility.

On US social media company X, he said the soldiers were tasked with sorting documents and guarding the site near the hazardous material without adequate protective equipment.

Neuberger added that even after equipment was evacuated, troops remained near the building for an additional period without necessary protection.

There was no immediate official comment from Israeli authorities, who maintain strict censorship over losses resulting from rockets and drones launched by Iran or Hezbollah.

The US-Israeli strikes on Iran began on Feb. 28, with Tehran retaliating with repeated drone and missile strikes targeting Israel and Gulf countries hosting US military assets.

*Writing by Rania Abushamala in Istanbul.