IDF Reportedly Expects Hezbollah to Join Renewed Iran War

Military Intelligence reportedly assesses that Hezbollah is highly likely to join renewed fighting against Iran and resume attacks on northern Israeli communities if another campaign begins. The assessment, reported on November 15, was conveyed to Israel’s political leadership and envisages Hezbollah entering at the outset or shortly afterward. The IDF is reportedly preparing for renewed fighting along the northern border while monitoring Hezbollah’s rebuilding in Lebanon. Its concerns include an estimated thousands of explosive drones, additional operator training and efforts to extend their range. Hezbollah reportedly assembles these weapons in Lebanon by fitting imported civilian drones with explosive warheads. Many dozens of its terrorists have trained to operate them; previously used models had ranges of about 10–15 kilometres. Fiber-optic-controlled drones are a particular concern. Hezbollah used them against Israeli soldiers during the latest war, and the reported assessment says an adequate technological interception response is still lacking. The report puts the number of IDF soldiers killed by Hezbollah’s explosive-drone attacks during that war at 16. The military’s reported estimate of Hezbollah’s rocket and missile stockpile remains about 10,000, with most threatening northern communities and a small proportion capable of reaching farther. The IDF is also reportedly preparing for ground threats to troops in the security zone in southern Lebanon, including infiltrating cells, explosives, gunfire and attempted abductions under darkness or fog. An unnamed senior military official said similar cells had been targeted in recent months. In Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, Israel previously struck entrances to underground facilities holding long-range missiles; Hezbollah reportedly has not tried to retrieve missiles still inside.