An Israeli senior security official has acknowledged a significant operational failure by the occupation army in confronting explosive drones deployed by Hezbollah, describing them as an unexpected and escalating threat on the battlefield.
“A Major Surprise” in the Battlefield
According to i24NEWS, the official admitted that Hezbollah’s explosive drones caught Israeli forces off guard, stating that the army was not adequately prepared to deal with this type of threat.
He confirmed that initial training to counter such drones only began at the early stages of the campaign, highlighting a reactive rather than proactive military posture.
Targeted Strikes and Casualties
The report indicates that these drones are launched from a distance and are capable of identifying Israeli evacuation points before carrying out precise self-detonation attacks against troops.
Four drones reportedly penetrated the Taybeh area, where the Israeli army’s 36th Division was operating. Some of these drones struck a tank crew from the 77th Battalion, resulting in the death of Sergeant Idan Fox, 19, from Petah Tikva, and injuring six other soldiers, four of whom were reported in critical condition.
Advanced Technology Difficult to Intercept
The drones used by Hezbollah represent a more advanced generation compared to those deployed in previous confrontations. According to the report, these systems require minimal signal reception, making them highly resistant to electronic jamming.
They are also reportedly connected via long-range fibre optic links, preventing interception or redirection through conventional electronic warfare methods. This technology has been observed in other conflict zones, including the war between Russia and Ukraine.
Israeli Response: Delayed Recognition
The report states that Israeli defence institutions are now racing to develop interception and protection mechanisms against this emerging threat. However, it also raises internal concerns over why the army only began taking the threat seriously after sustaining casualties.
While Israeli forces had achieved partial success in intercepting drones along the Egyptian and Jordanian borders, the current challenge is significantly larger. The battlefield now reportedly sees dozens of offensive drones launched weekly across multiple fronts, some dropping munitions while others attempt direct impact attacks on troops.
