Israel’s armed forces are reportedly suffering their heaviest battlefield losses in decades amid escalating clashes with Hezbollah, as the Lebanese group steps up its use of drone warfare against Israeli armour.
Israel is sustaining what are described as unprecedented losses in fighting with the Lebanese movement Hezbollah, according to a report by Military Watch Magazine. The publication claims that Hezbollah fighters are making extensive use of strike drones to destroy or disable heavy Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) equipment.
These first-person-view (FPV) drones are said to be most frequently targeting Merkava IV tanks and Namer armoured personnel carriers, key components of Israel’s ground forces.
According to numerous reports, the hostilities are among the most intense in the history of this long-running conflict. Multiple Israeli sources indicate that recent ground force losses are unprecedented, at least since the 1980s.
The IDF have not commented directly on these specific incidents. However, they recently confirmed the death of one soldier and injuries to several others.
Against this backdrop, preparations are reportedly under way for peace negotiations between Tel Aviv and Beirut, following an order by Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
According to his office, Israel is expected to demand the disarmament of Hezbollah and the establishment of peaceful relations between the two countries during the talks.
The developments follow a series of powerful Israeli strikes on Lebanese territory. Tel Aviv said the attacks targeted terrorist infrastructure, while Lebanese authorities reported 254 civilian deaths and widespread destruction of infrastructure.
