For over 2,000 years, fishermen on Israel’s Sea of Galilee have been renowned for their use of nets to catch St. Peter’s Fish, a type of tilapia rich with biblical significance. Recently, these fishermen have garnered attention for their unexpected role in aiding Israeli troops against threats from Hezbollah’s first-person view (FPV) kamikaze drones. TWZ was among the first to report on the serious risks these devices pose to Israeli forces in southern Lebanon and how the IDF is working swiftly to implement passive defense measures, including nets, on its combat vehicles.
The severity of the threat has led some IDF soldiers to seek out fishing nets from local fishermen as an improvised protective measure. A senior IDF official confirmed to TWZ on Monday that this trend is gaining traction. The matter was first highlighted by Israel’s KAN public broadcasting network. This initiative complements the netting that the IDF is actively procuring, which will be discussed further in this article.
“Indeed, IDF soldiers are acquiring fishing nets, primarily sourced from the city of Tiberias along the Sea of Galilee,” the senior IDF official indicated. These soldiers are also purchasing nets from fishermen in Akko and Haifa near the Mediterranean coast, the official elaborated.
“The drone threat has become a significant concern for our ground troops,” the official stated.
Fishing on the Sea of Galilee! Joshua Aaron / Rather Be in the Galilee
Previously, we reported that the concept of using nets is designed to ensnare drones, potentially disabling them or allowing a safe distance before they detonate, thereby protecting personnel inside vehicles.
In response to the growing FPV threat, Israel has initiated the deployment of netting on various vehicles and equipment.
View the related video demonstrating this practice below.
The strategy of using nets as a defense mechanism was originally implemented in Ukraine, where FPV drones became a prevalent choice for both factions involved.
Watch this early example of Russians utilizing netting in the following video.
In our initial reporting on Hezbollah’s FPV capabilities, we observed that the Iranian-backed group was creating a greater challenge for the IDF by increasing the number of FPV drones utilizing fiber optic guidance. This technology diminishes the effectiveness of electronic warfare tactics aimed at disrupting radio signals and helps overcome geographical barriers that can obstruct communication between the drone and its operator.
Videos showcasing these attacks surfaced online last month, available below.
A new complication for Israel involves Hezbollah’s recent integration of thermal cameras on their FPV drones, allowing for nighttime operations, as noted by the IDF official. These cameras detect heat signatures, translating them into thermal images highlighting differences in temperature.
By equipping FPV drones with thermal cameras, Hezbollah “significantly limits [our] mobility both day and night,” he highlighted.
The incorporation of thermal cameras, alongside fiber-optic guidance, “creates an extraordinary level of deterrence against forces operating within Lebanon and along the borders,” lamented the senior IDF official. “It is terrifying, dangerous, and distressing all at once.”
“Forces are effectively immobilized,” the official added. “They cannot advance towards the drone-launch zones, nor can they efficiently target the drone logistics and operational framework spread across the Beqaa Valley, Tyre, Sidon, and even Beirut.”
“Our operational framework requires a reassessment,” he remarked. “We must transition from entirely exposed missions, making our soldiers easy prey for Hezbollah, to adopting covert and concealed operations.”
Complicating the situation further, “the political-security cabinet, particularly Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is advocating for overt military actions to assert Israeli presence in southern Lebanon,” the high-ranking IDF official observed. “Simultaneously, due to commitments to [U.S. President Donald] Trump, the operational latitude of our forces is significantly restricted. It’s a classic Catch-22.”
“This scenario endangers our soldiers and weakens the IDF against an adversary that adheres to no regulations,” the source added. “It represents a dangerous and paradoxical asymmetry of power—sheer recklessness.”
These remarks came the day before Netanyahu officially initiated a larger Israeli offensive into southern Lebanon, despite the ongoing ceasefire, which is elaborated upon in our earlier story here.
According to the IDF, approximately 158,000 square meters of protective netting have already been allocated to units in the field, as reported by Israel’s I24 News.
“The military is also in the process of acquiring around two million square feet of additional netting,” the outlet elaborated. “In total, the ordered area is equivalent to nearly 20 football fields, demonstrating the extent of Israel’s efforts to enhance its defenses in response to the rapidly changing battlefield threats on the northern front.”
Given the scale of Israel’s operations in southern Lebanon, even that volume of netting seems insufficient, which may explain why some soldiers have turned to fishing nets to supplement their defenses.
Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, troops have resorted to various creative, often improvised solutions to shield themselves from drone threats, such as stacking logs on vehicles or welding layers of steel to create “turtle tanks”. Such ad-hoc innovations often reflect the urgency to adapt in the face of danger. Israel’s forces share this sentiment, revealing that even well-equipped militaries can struggle to address the modern battlefield’s challenges posed by drones.
Contact the author: howard@twz.com
Key Takeaways
- The Israeli Army is utilizing fishing nets sourced from local fishermen to combat the emerging threat of FPV drones.
- Approximately 158,000 square meters of protective nets have been distributed, with plans for two million square feet more.
- The use of thermal cameras by Hezbollah adds a new layer of challenge for Israeli troops, affecting their operational capabilities.
- Israeli forces are adapting their tactics in response to new drone technologies that limit their movements and operational freedom.
- This situation reflects a global trend where militaries must improvise solutions to counter modern drone threats.
FAQ
What are FPV drones?
FPV drones are unmanned aircraft controlled remotely, often used in combat for targeted strikes.
Why are fishing nets being used?
Fishing nets are being repurposed as a defense mechanism against drones, designed to entangle and disable them.
How is Israel enhancing its defenses against drones?
Israel is procuring large amounts of protective netting and adapting its military tactics to counter drone threats.
