Hezbollah’s ‘game-changing’ night-time weapon breaches Israel’s defenses, expert says

(SeaPRwire) –   Hezbollah has started deploying “game-changing” and “lethal” nighttime drone swarms against Israel, according to a defense expert, with these strikes reportedly causing casualties, penetrating defensive lines, and creating widespread disorder in border areas.

The intensification of these Hezbollah operations led Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to hold an urgent security session on May 30, following an unexpected attack that reportedly left Israeli forces struggling to react amidst significant confusion.

“These nighttime drones are primarily small Category 1 and Category 2 models,” explained Cameron Chell, a defense expert and CEO of Draganfly, in an interview with Digital.

“They are typically utilized by ground units for immediate tactical strikes or surveillance within the theater of operations. By employing thermal sensors, they can navigate in the dark and identify IDF personnel through their heat signatures,” he noted.

“The fact that Hezbollah now possesses nighttime operational capabilities is a game changer,” Chell added.

“We are likely to see an increase in drone usage and further advancements in asymmetric warfare tactics by Hezbollah in that region,” he cautioned.

Chell’s analysis follows reports that the conflict has shifted significantly, forcing the implementation of improvised defensive measures, such as the use of nets.

According to reports, Israeli troops have begun purchasing commercial fishing and soccer nets in an attempt to ensnare incoming aerial threats.

“This necessitates a new array of countermeasures for the IDF, ranging from electronic jamming to the deployment of net guns or physical netting around installations and vehicles to prevent terminal impact from strike drones,” Chell stated.

“The IDF will need to fundamentally adjust its operational tactics for nighttime movement. They must now account for Hezbollah’s ability to conduct both thermal observation and direct strikes after dark.”

Netanyahu convened with senior officials following a heavy barrage of rockets and drones on Saturday that caught the military unprepared.

A Channel 13 report indicated that the Israeli military was caught off guard by both the intensity of the fire and Hezbollah’s strategic shift in response to Israel’s ground operations extending past the Litani River.

On-the-ground reports described “total chaos” in northern regions, as Hezbollah launched coordinated drone strikes alongside rocket attacks on cities.

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem has also highlighted the group’s drone arsenal, labeling it a potent tool against Israeli forces operating near and within southern Lebanon.

Netanyahu has acknowledged that Hezbollah’s drone capabilities represent a significant threat, primarily due to the challenges involved in detecting them.

“Hezbollah has established some form of supply chain,” Chell observed, noting that while the technology is not revolutionary, the tactics are effective. “They are using relatively dated technology and methods.”

“Regardless, someone is supplying this equipment to Hezbollah—whether it originates from Iran, China, Russia, Afghanistan, or the black market—there is a consistent flow of product reaching their supply lines,” Chell warned.