Deadly drone ambushes in South Lebanon expose Israeli divisions over war strategy

Report by Amal Shehadeh, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi

Two ambushes targeting Israeli forces in South Lebanon on Sunday, involving advanced explosive drones used by Hezbollah, have intensified internal divisions between Israel's military and political leadership over how to proceed with the war.

An Israeli report said the security establishment had prior knowledge of this type of drone, including those guided via fiber-optic systems, which Hezbollah has increasingly deployed following recent military operations. Despite this awareness, the military reportedly declined an offer from Ukraine during the war to assist in countering such technology, arguing that its own advanced capabilities were sufficient.

That assessment has been challenged by developments on the ground. 

Over the past month, Israeli forces have faced repeated ambushes using explosive drones, which have increasingly replaced anti-tank missiles due to their precision, lethality, and ability to inflict higher casualties.

According to the Israeli army, Hezbollah is using two main types of drones. The first are remotely operated via radio frequencies, which Israeli systems can often detect and intercept. The second, considered more dangerous, is guided through fiber-optic cables, a technology Israel currently lacks effective means to counter.

These drones can be operated from distances of up to 15 kilometers and carry explosive payloads ranging from one to six kilograms, making them a significant threat to Israeli troops.

Amid these developments, Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir has largely remained silent publicly, while the military has accused the political leadership of placing constraints on its operations. Following Sunday's incidents, army officials argued that it is impossible to wage a war when the opposing side retains what they described as "safe urban zones," referencing areas from Beirut to Tyre, Sidon, the Bekaa Valley, and any area north of the Litani River.

The tensions coincided with a message sent by Israel to the United States, warning that it may no longer be able to maintain what it called a policy of restraint or adhere to ceasefire conditions if the situation in Lebanon continues unchanged.

Hours later, Israeli forces carried out a series of airstrikes targeting areas in the Bekaa Valley, in what officials described as an expansion of military operations.

Meanwhile, Israel's Northern Command declared the region along the front line to be on maximum alert, underscoring the growing volatility of the war.