IDF Chief of the General Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir said on Friday that "operational and technological solutions are already in the stages of development and implementation" for Hezbollah's First-Person View (FVP) drone threats.
Zamir conducted an operational assessment of IDF observation posts overlooking the Ayoun Valley in Lebanon's Mount Dov area on Friday, speaking to soldiers about Hezbollah's drone threat.
"The drone threat is a challenge, but we will overcome it," said Zamir. "The battlefield is unpredictable and never will be, but we are dedicating the IDF's best resources, minds, and capabilities to this issue. Operational and technological solutions are already in the stages of development and implementation, and we will continue to rapidly integrate them into the battlefield."
Zamir, who was joined by Northern Command Chief Maj.-Gen. Rafi Milo, 210th Division Chief Brig.-Gen. Yair Palai, and 91st Division Chief Brig.-Gen. Yuval Gez, noted the military's consistent action against Hezbollah.
"At the same time, we will continue pursuing launch squads, their operators, and their commanders at every level and wherever they operate - from the tactical level in the field to the highest-ranking officials," Zamir said. "Wherever we identify a threat, we will strike it."
He also referred directly to the IDF soldiers, complimenting them on their "exceptional work" against "complex challenges."
"You are operating with creativity, initiative, and responsibility, including moving into new areas, and continuing to push back against the enemy, dismantling its capabilities, and striking key targets," said Zamir. "Hezbollah has suffered cumulative and unprecedented damage - the elimination of thousands of terrorists, including senior and mid-level commanders. There is no place that can serve as a fortress for Hezbollah, and no place where it will have immunity."
Hezbollah's FPV drone threat
The Hezbollah terrorist organization utilizes FPV drones to carry out attacks against IDF targets in Lebanon and northern Israel, with the group claiming that such a drone successfully struck an Israeli Iron Dome battery along the Israel-Lebanon border on May 10.
Hezbollah provided video evidence of the attack. While the IDF made no official comment, military sources could not dispute the video's authenticity.
The specialized drones use fiber-optic cables and manual control to circumvent the IDF’s advanced jamming and tracking technologies.
The military has been struggling to defend against such drone attacks, despite the defense industry knowing about the threat for years.
Zamir: A blow to Hezbollah is a blow to Iran
Zamir further discussed the importance of the IDF's Forward Defense Line for the military's actions against Hezbollah.
"The Forward Defense Line is a basis for further operations," emphasized Zamir. "Wherever there is an operational need to maneuver, we will maneuver. Every blow to Hezbollah is also a blow to the Iranian axis of terror and Iran’s investment in terror proxies in the region. We are prepared for every development and remain at a high level of readiness against Iran as well."
He added that the IDF had killed over 7,500 terrorists since the beginning of the war, including 2,500 since the launch of Operation Roaring Lion.
Reflecting on June as a month to appreciate military reservists, Zamir concluded his remarks with a thank-you to the soldiers.
"I am full of gratitude for you," said Zamir. "I am aware of the burden, the difficulty, and the price that you and your families are paying. We are working to expand the force structure and adapt the IDF's necessary response."
Yonah Jeremy Bob and James Genn contributed to this report.