Israel is currently investigating how a Hezbollah drone managed to evade its air defenses and carry out a deadly attack on a military base, resulting in the loss of four soldiers. Experts suggest that Hezbollah, backed by Iran, is employing a strategy of using cheap and hard-to-detect suicide drones to overwhelm Israel.
Drones are considered a challenging threat for Israel due to their cost-effectiveness and operational simplicity. Orna Mizrahi, a senior research fellow at the Israeli Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), explained that drones are small, lightweight, and have a minimal radar signature, making them difficult to detect and intercept using Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system.
While the specific type of drones used in the attack has not been confirmed by either party, experts believe they were likely Mirsad drones, also known as Ababil drones in Iran. These drones are characterized by their low-altitude, slow-flight capabilities, and carry a significant warhead.
One of the key challenges posed by drones is their ability to change direction during flight, making it challenging to predict their trajectory and targets. Mizrahi emphasized that this unpredictability adds to the complexity of defending against drone attacks.
Hezbollah's decision to incorporate drones into its military tactics reflects a strategic shift aimed at exploiting perceived weaknesses in Israel's defense systems. By diversifying its arsenal to include drones, Hezbollah is testing Israel's ability to counter evolving threats.
Despite facing setbacks and reportedly losing a portion of its weaponry, Hezbollah has demonstrated resilience and determination to probe vulnerabilities in Israel's air defenses. The recent drone attack and rocket barrages on northern Israel underscore Hezbollah's persistent efforts to challenge Israel's security measures.
