Hezbollah’s rocket attacks on Israel are a growing threat, and there are still gaps in Israel’s ability to comprehensively address them, said Brigadier General Zvika Chaimovitz, former commander of Israel’s air defense system in an interview with Radio 103FM on Sunday.
Speaking about the drone threat, Chaimovitz admitted: “We still don’t have a complete solution for this.” He explained, “Last week alone, we counted around 30 drones, most from Lebanon, but also seven from Iraq and one from Yemen.
Both sides recognize the potential of these threats and understand that we do not yet have a perfect response. In some cases, the awareness and psychological effect created by these drones is more significant than 180 missiles from Iran.”
Focus on technology and combat strategies
Chaimovitz emphasized that the IDF is working hard to close this gap, focusing on technology and combat strategies. “In security, there is never 100% protection. There will always be isolated incidents that we need to focus our efforts on,” he said.
Regarding Hezbollah’s tactics, Chaimovitz explained: “We have been able to trace certain patterns after several incidents. One of their methods is to combine rocket fire with drones, creating saturation and deception. This increases the chances of at least one drone reaching its target. “The skies are filled with missiles, rockets and our interceptors, making the situation more complex and challenging for our defenses.”
Smoke rises over Dahieh, in the southern suburbs of Beirut, following Israeli airstrikes overnight, amid ongoing hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, seen from Sin El Fil, Lebanon, October 3, 2024. (credit: REUTERS/AMR ABDALLAH DALSH)
Commenting on the drone incident near Caesarea and the footage showing a combat helicopter chasing a drone, Chaimovitz clarified: “The video was not in Caesarea, as some thought, but was filmed near Acre-Nahariya before contact was lost. It could have been an intercepted drone.
This event shows the constant availability of air power. “It may seem routine for helicopters not close to the border to pursue these drones, but defending our skies is a top priority for the air force, which invests considerable resources in this task.”
He also noted the difficulty of dealing with small, slow-moving drones using advanced aircraft or helicopters, adding that “care needs to be taken with interceptors to avoid collateral damage.”
Lasers are evolving and will soon be able to fill some gaps, especially in terms of availability. “Ground-based and airborne laser systems will add an important layer of defense.”
Chaimovitz also discussed the possibility of an Israeli attack on Iran. “No country in the world has faced 27,000 rockets in one year like Israel has,” he said.
“Iran has defense systems, many locally made, with some Russian support. The IDF and air force are familiar with these systems. We have gained valuable experience through operations in Syria, and our air force has taken full advantage of those opportunities”.
“Israel has highly advanced and lethal capabilities that can reach Iran both by air and by other means.”
