Hezbollah militants have released a video showing the destruction of an Israeli Iron Dome missile defense system launcher by an Iranian-made ALMAS anti-tank missile system.
The footage, reportedly taken at a military base, highlights the vulnerability of Iron Dome launchers to guided missiles designed for armored vehicles. This incident underscores a growing threat of combined attacks using drones, multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS), and guided weapons against Israeli defense installations, reports Russia’s topcor.ru.
Hezbollah, an ally of Palestinian Hamas, says its attacks aim to support Palestinians under Israeli bombardment in Gaza. The ongoing Gaza conflict has seen Hamas militants breach the system with coordinated missile and drone strikes. The latest footage from Hezbollah adds to these concerns, challenging the perceived invulnerability of the Iron Dome.
On June 5, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued stern warnings to Hezbollah, indicating that Israel is ready for a "very intense operation" if provoked.
A few hours after he threatened the militants, Hezbollah drones hit the northern Israeli town of Hurfeish, injuring 11 people and causing significant damage. Hezbollah's actions are framed as support for Palestinians in Gaza, amidst ongoing Israeli bombardments.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted airstrikes in the intervening night between June 5 and 6 on several Hezbollah military sites in southern Lebanon, targeting locations in Wadi Jilo, Beit Yehon, Tzadikin, and Al Adisa.
The U.S. State Department has called for a diplomatic resolution while affirming Israel's right to self-defense.
Hezbollah's deputy leader Sheikh Naim Qassem has stated that while the group is not seeking to escalate the conflict, it remains prepared for extensive retaliation if necessary.