Israeli Report Warned of Hezbollah’s Explosive Drone Threat and Calls for Urgent Defense Overhaul

A report prepared in November 2024 by the Institute for Counter-Terrorism Policy at Reichman University, led by Dr. Uzi Landau, warned Israeli security agencies about the growing threat posed by Hezbollah’s explosive drones, particularly those connected via fiber optics. These drones have already caused casualties among Israeli soldiers along the northern border with Lebanon. The report, published by N12 on June 29, 2026, highlights that current defense systems are inadequate against the evolving multi-layered and multi-domain drone threats, and without significant improvements, Israel’s defense array risks collapse.

Dr. Landau, former chairman of Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and now a research fellow, emphasized that the conflict in Ukraine serves as a testing ground for drone warfare technologies that are rapidly spreading to the Middle East. Hezbollah reportedly operates around 100 specialized operatives in southern Lebanon who have launched approximately 160 drones at Israeli forces, with about 90 controlled via physical fiber optic cables. This method allows coordinated attacks involving reconnaissance drones and explosive drones, complicating interception efforts.

The report warns that the next generation of drones, such as the Russian-made Lancet suicide drone used effectively in Ukraine, is likely to appear soon in the region, potentially in Hezbollah’s arsenal. These drones are small, hard to detect, and carry powerful anti-tank warheads. The report criticizes Israel’s slow bureaucratic response and calls for a dramatic shift toward rapid, low-cost, and adaptable drone defense systems, akin to the fast-paced countermeasures developed in Ukraine.

To address these challenges, the report recommends establishing an emergency military-civilian task force led by a dedicated assistant defense minister for drone threats. This body would have independent budget authority and direct reporting lines to the defense minister and ministry director general, enabling swift procurement and deployment of counter-drone technologies from civilian industry and startups.

Professor Boaz Ganor, president of Reichman University and founder of the institute, stated that Israeli decision-makers could and should have anticipated the drone threat and adapted accordingly. He noted that the report aligns with previous warnings issued before the October 7, 2023 attacks, urging comprehensive preparedness for multi-front threats. The report underscores the urgent need for organizational, strategic, and resource allocation reforms to counter the rapidly evolving drone warfare landscape threatening Israel’s security.