Drone warfare reshapes Israel's priorities on northern front

Report by Yazbek Wehbe, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi

Israel's expanded security cabinet had been expected to discuss a potential military operation in Gaza, but escalating developments along the Lebanese front prompted a shift toward an urgent, smaller security meeting focused on the threat posed by Hezbollah drones.

The high-level meeting brought together Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, the army chief of staff, and senior security officials to examine ways to counter increasingly sophisticated drone technology that Israeli forces say has become a major concern.

Speaking earlier at a government session, Netanyahu underscored the priority of the issue, declaring that Israel must remain "far stronger than its enemies." He revealed that he had ordered the launch of a special project weeks ago to address the drone threat and said an initial progress report would be presented, while cautioning that developing effective solutions would take time.

According to Israeli media reports, military planners are considering options to escalate responses against Hezbollah in an effort to prevent it from rebuilding its military capabilities. Netanyahu is also reportedly seeking greater operational freedom, aiming to ease what he views as constraints imposed by Donald Trump to secure approval for broader military action deeper inside Lebanon.

Israeli military leaders, along with some political figures, have voiced opposition to continued restraint, calling instead for a shift in the rules of engagement to ensure that threats do not reemerge along the border.

In a parallel move reflecting long-term military planning, a ministerial committee approved a multi-billion-dollar plan to purchase new squadrons of F-35 and F-15 fighter jets from the United States, alongside efforts to expand domestically produced aerial capabilities.

Netanyahu described Israel’s airpower as "immense," highlighting ongoing investments as part of a broader strategy to maintain military superiority amid rising regional tensions.