Israel and Hezbollah face off as drone threats rise

Israel’s military tech companies are racing to stop a growing danger from drones. These cheap, explosive-laden flying machines have become a favorite of Hezbollah, the armed group based in Lebanon. Since April, these drones have targeted Israeli forces in southern Lebanon, making them hard to detect and stop with normal defenses. Even Ukraine has struggled against similar drones in its war, showing how tricky these weapons can be. The Israeli government knows it needs better ways to fight back. Prime Minister Netanyahu recently promised tougher action against Hezbollah, but he didn’t explain how to stop the drones. These small, fast machines can slip past Israel’s advanced jamming systems, which usually block remote-controlled attacks. That’s where Elbit, one of Israel’s biggest defense companies, comes in. Its CEO says they’re working with the military to create new tools, possibly including lasers, to take down drones before they cause damage.For now, Israel uses simple tricks like nets to catch slower drones. But Hezbollah keeps improving its attacks, using drones and rockets to hit Israeli troops near Lebanese villages. The conflict has grown even messier as Iran, Hezbollah’s backer, demands that any peace deal includes an end to Israeli strikes in Lebanon. Meanwhile, Netanyahu insists Israel must keep striking anywhere it sees threats. The drone problem isn’t just about Lebanon. Israel’s defense industry is selling more tech worldwide, especially after the war in Gaza began in 2023. Countries in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East are buying Israeli military gear like night-vision tools and laser systems. Elbit, which makes these products, says its sales are climbing fast, even in places like the United Arab Emirates. The company sees big opportunities as tensions rise across the region.