Full Breakdown
Israel Bolsters Counter-Drone Defences as Threats Escalate on Multiple Fronts
7/3/2026, 6:03:48 AM
Rising Drone Threats on the West Bank and Central Israel
Kibbutz Eyal residents heard an aircraft and warned that FPV drones could carry explosives. Israeli officials say Iran is trying to spread FPV drones from Lebanon into the West Bank, though the army says they are not yet operational. The IDF routinely confiscates drones, and the Drom HaSharon Regional Council—covering 31 frontier communities—has met with Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth and Brig. Gen. Kobi Heller for radar coverage.
Hezbollah’s Underground Drone Hub and Recent Strikes
In June, IDF Yahalom engineers destroyed an underground complex near Majdal Zoun in southern Lebanon. Previously deemed inactive, the site contained tunnels, ammunition and dozens of Iranian-made drones. The defense establishment called the intelligence haul “pure gold.” The raid killed over 20 Hezbollah fighters, including members of the elite Radwan force.
Procurement of AI-Powered Radar Systems
The Ministry of Defense signed a NIS 21 million contract with Rehovot-based Magos Systems for hundreds of radar units to detect threats, including fiber-optic drones. The AR-300 radar offers 360-degree coverage up to 300 metres, fuses data with cameras and classifies objects to minimise false alarms. Each unit costs thousands of shekels, less than conventional radars, and provides 60 seconds of warning.
Data & Statistics
- Contract value: NIS 21 million (? US $7 million).
- Quantity: “hundreds” of radar systems for the Lebanese border.
- Detection range: 300 metres for small drones, 360-degree coverage when networked.
- Local petition: 50 million shekels (US $17 million) for a regional command centre and defensive equipment.
- Reported attacks: Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar cited more than 7,000 rockets, missiles and drones launched by Hezbollah since March.
Official Statements & Responses
Drom HaSharon Council head Oshrat Gani Gonen called the area “the soft underbelly of the country” and urged radar coverage. IDF officials highlighted the strategic value of the Majdal Zoun find and the need for rapid detection. Magos CEO Aviel Kisliansky said the radar’s camera integration provides real-time, multi-dimensional situational awareness. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar warned that Hezbollah attacks “cannot be accepted without action.”
Criticism & Opposition
Local officials argue civilian solutions are unavailable, leaving the military to provide detection and counter-drone tools. The council’s High Court petition seeks 50 million shekels for a regional command centre and defensive equipment.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We've already heard from the military that drones have been found in the West Bank, and when you look at what's happening in Lebanon, you worry,” — Yuval, resident of Kibbutz Eyal
- “There are no civilian solutions, so the military has to provide them,” — Oshrat Gani Gonen, head of Drom HaSharon Regional Council
- “There won't be a long evolution here,” — Oshrat Gani Gonen, head of Drom HaSharon Regional Council
- “The defense establishment defined the findings discovered at the compound as "pure gold" from an intelligence perspective.” — IDF statement
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Air Force intelligence initially labeled the Majdal Zoun underground facility inactive, yet field teams later uncovered a full drone arsenal, highlighting intelligence validation challenges.
What's Next
Magos radars are being field-tested along the Lebanese border while the High Court reviews the council’s funding request. Development of active drone-neutralisation tools is underway.
