Tel Aviv, Israel – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Tuesday that he had issued immediate instructions to launch a “special project” aimed at eliminating the growing threat posed by Hezbollah drones.
In a televised address broadcast by the newspaper Yediot Aharonot, Netanyahu acknowledged that addressing this complex issue “will take time.” However, he pledged to reach a final solution that neutralizes this threat to Israeli forces in southern Lebanon.
This statement marks Netanyahu’s second public remarks on the same issue in less than 24 hours, reflecting the confusion within the Israeli military leadership regarding “wired” or fiber-optic-guided drones. This new technology, described by Walla! military correspondent Amir Bohbot as “stealthy,” is characterized by its extremely low footprint. This unique feature makes detecting and intercepting it virtually impossible for traditional defense systems.
The challenge of fiber optics
These drones rely on a thin fiber optic strand that is released from a reel attached to them during flight. This method ensures the direct transmission of commands and high-resolution images without relying on radio waves.
Indeed, this technological innovation deprives the occupying army of its traditional ability to “electronic jamming,” as there is no radio frequency that can be disrupted. Thus, the drone continues its journey toward the target with pinpoint accuracy.
Netanyahu claimed that his forces “continue to inflict serious damage on Hezbollah,” threatening to escalate military operations despite the fragile ceasefire agreement.
The Israeli army acknowledged on Tuesday that explosive-laden drones had detonated near its forces in southern Lebanon. It claimed there were no casualties, just hours after Netanyahu described rockets and drones as the “two main threats” to Israel.
Ongoing violations and a bloody toll
These developments come amid daily Israeli violations of the ceasefire that began on April 17 and was extended until May. These violations have included airstrikes and the systematic bombing of homes in dozens of border villages.
Since the start of the Israeli offensive on March 2, official Lebanese figures have recorded a catastrophic toll of 2,534 martyrs and 7,863 wounded. In addition, the number of displaced persons has reached more than 1.6 million, equivalent to one-fifth of Lebanon’s population, amid international silence regarding the destruction of infrastructure and social services in the south.
