The Lebanese Shiite movement has reportedly rolled out “sophisticated” new technology as clashes with Israel intensify in light of Tel Aviv’s invasion of Rafah.

Hezbollah-Israel clashes have worsened of late as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) continues its operation in Rafah, a southern Gaza region bordering with Egypt.

“Hezbollah’s decision to launch an attack using drones and projectiles, including precision-guided missiles, reflects a strategic approach aimed at maintaining an element of surprise and keeping Israel in a state of constant recalibration,” Dr. Imad Salamey, associate professor of political science and international affairs at the Lebanese American University, told Sputnik.

“By employing a variety of weapons and tactics, many of which remain unutilized, Hezbollah ensures that its full capabilities and potential battlegrounds are unpredictable. This strategy not only complicates Israel’s defense calculations but also allows Hezbollah to retain the initiative in the conflict, adapting its strategy dynamically based on developments on the ground,” the pundit continued.

Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah warned Tel Aviv on May 24 about “new surprises” on the part of the Lebanese group if Israel doesn’t halt hostilities in Gaza. The Israeli press cited El-Nashra, the Lebanese news agency, as alleging that “surprises” mentioned by Nasrallah are new weapons in the group’s possession, including long-range precision missiles and anti-aircraft projectiles.

Earlier this month, the Associated Press (AP) likewise emphasized new weapons and new tactics recently employed by the Shiite movement, including deeper strikes into Israel’s territory. Hezbollah’s outstanding military capabilities have been acknowledged by both Israeli and US think tanks, which suggest the group possesses at least 150,000 rockets and anti-tank missiles, along with up to 2,000 drones.

In the second half of May, Hezbollah introduced new armored drones against Israeli military facilities, according to Dr. Lorenzo Trombetta, Beirut-based scholar and analyst specializing in the Middle East.

“Nowadays [the Shiite group] is continuing to test these new capabilities in order to respond to Israel, first of all, as Israel is also increasing its attacks along the blue line, as we’ve seen in the Bekaa Valley and southern side of the city of Sidon, and moreover, to counter the balance of power and continue to exert pressure, political pressure, military pressure on the Israeli government,” Trombetta told Sputnik.

Source: Sputnik International

Background image courtesy of RFP, modified by me.