The attacks took place along the Israel-Lebanon border last week, but the armed group Hezbollah only released the footage on 10/5.
The video shows a first-person view (FPV) drone approaching an Israeli air defense position on high ground. Two Iron Dome launchers were visible, protected by large concrete slabs. The drone crashed into the right-side launcher, with the footage cutting just as impact occurred.
The moment a Hezbollah FPV drone attacked an Iron Dome launcher and Israeli soldiers on 7-8/5. Video: Hezbollah
The following day, Hezbollah deployed another FPV drone towards the Iron Dome position, seemingly targeting the remaining launcher. At that moment, approximately 10 Israeli soldiers were gathered to replace the damaged equipment. The drone operator decided to steer the FPV drone towards the servicemembers standing in the open.
The exact casualties and damage from the strike remain unclear.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) did not comment on Hezbollah's video or release information about the attack. However, the Jerusalem Post quoted IDF sources who conceded that "the authenticity of the video is undeniable, and the released images speak for themselves".
Ynet newspaper reported that the IDF is transporting thousands of meters of fishing nets across the border to supply garrisons in southern Lebanon. This measure aims to intercept suicide drones before they reach soldiers and infrastructure. Ynet noted that this move highlights the growing challenge posed by inexpensive drones, even for "one of the world's most renowned air defense systems."
 |
The Iron Dome system fires during a test in 2020. Photo: Israel Ministry of Defense
A complete Iron Dome system comprises three to four launchers, each equipped with 20 Tamir interceptor missiles, along with a surveillance and fire control radar, and a battle management and control system.
Hezbollah frequently employs FPV drones to attack Israeli forces. The majority are controlled via fiber optics rather than radio signals, making them immune to electronic warfare measures. The IDF has recently faced criticism for not adequately preparing defenses for personnel and equipment against enemy FPV drone attacks.
Images released late last month showed Hezbollah drones attacking advanced Merkava Mark 4M main battle tanks and Eitan armored vehicles, as well as targeting numerous enemy soldiers. The IDF confirmed that at least one servicemember was killed and six others were injured in the attack in southern Lebanon on 26/4.
In an incident on 27/4, a Hezbollah suicide drone also narrowly missed a Black Hawk helicopter evacuating Israeli soldiers.
 |
The Israel-Lebanon border. Graphic: RANE
Lebanon was drawn into the Middle East conflict in early March after Hezbollah launched rockets into Israeli territory. This was in retaliation for the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israel strike operation. The IDF responded with extensive airstrikes across Lebanon and deployed troops into the southern part of the neighboring country.
Pham Giang (According to Times of Israel, Ynet, Jerusalem Post)
