Drone threat dominates Israel's security talks on Lebanon and Iran

Report by Amal Shehadeh, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian 

As the Israeli military threatens to intensify its operations in Lebanon and expand what it describes as a “security zone” in an attempt to curb the threat posed by Hezbollah drones, one of which killed a person in Ras Naqoura on Thursday, Tel Aviv is also preparing for the possibility of a military operation against Iran that could reportedly be launched by U.S. President Donald Trump by the end of the week.

Following a Cabinet meeting convened by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and attended by a limited number of ministers, security chiefs, and Israeli military Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, discussions focused on both Iran and Lebanon. Instructions were subsequently issued to raise the state of emergency starting Friday in preparation for any possible scenario.

The issue of drones occupied a significant portion of the discussions, with Tel Aviv viewing them as a major challenge and developing a preliminary plan aimed at reducing their effectiveness.

The proposed solution involves integrating multiple radar systems and enhancing coordination between ground forces and the air force to improve surveillance and early warning capabilities. According to Ground Forces Commander Nadav Lotan, the system will undergo a series of tests both locally and abroad.

The growing drone threat has also prompted intervention from military intelligence chief Shlomi Binder, who called for recruiting what he described as the “best minds” within the intelligence community.

This comes as some Israelis are urging Tel Aviv to reject any extension of the ceasefire with Lebanon during the Washington negotiations and to resume its broad military campaign by air and land. They also stressed opposition to any compromise regarding an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon.

The Israeli delegation, headed by Yechiel Leiter, is expected to present maps outlining proposed army deployment positions in Lebanon.

The delegation also includes the embassy’s Middle East affairs adviser, Strategic Division chief Amichai Levin, Deputy National Security Adviser Yossi Draznin, and acting Israeli military attaché in Washington Arik Ben Dov.