Israel successfully intercepts Hezbollah drones using a laser defense system

The Israeli Air Force and the security establishment succeeded in intercepting Hezbollah drones using a laser system known as “Light Shield” following the ceasefire with Hezbollah, as reported this evening (Wednesday) by Kan News.

Since the war began, the Air Force and the defense establishment have introduced new tools and conducted experiments with various systems in order to deal with the drone challenge.

At the end of October 2024, the Air Force succeeded for the first time in intercepting four Hezbollah drones using the “Iron Beam” system – a smaller version of “Light Shield” with a power of 30 watts (Light Shield operates at a power of 100 watts) developed by the defense industries and Rafael. Since then, more drones have been intercepted.

This is a groundbreaking capability for the Israeli defense systems, expected to change the rules of the game for Israel in the event of a future war. It provides both interception capabilities and savings in money and resources. It should be noted that the “Light Shield” laser system, in its standard configuration, is expected to become fully operational by the end of 2025.

In a joint statement from the Ministry of Defense, the IDF Spokesperson, and Rafael, it was stated, “During the ‘Iron Swords’ war, dozens of interceptions were carried out for the first time using laser systems.” They noted that these systems are based on technological breakthroughs achieved over decades and provide “an additional layer of energy-based weapons systems.”

According to senior officials in the Directorate for Defense R&D (MAFAT) and Rafael, the State of Israel is the first in the world “to have succeeded in maturing laser technology” for massive operational use in intercepting threats.

תיעוד: יירוטים של מערכות הלייזר שהופעלו במהלך המלחמה נגד חיזבאללה@ItayBlumental pic.twitter.com/5Lhcoo2aUI

— כאן חדשות (@kann_news) May 28, 2025

Defense Minister Israel Katz responded to the report by saying, “It will change the rules of the game in the region – our enemies should fear not only the capabilities we have already developed, but also the ones we are developing even now. This is undeniable proof of the strength, quality, and innovation of Israel’s defense industries – among the best and most advanced in the world.”

Meanwhile, the 146th Division (“HaMapatz”) completed its mission in the north. As a result, the 91st Division (“HaGalil”) has resumed full responsibility for the entire Lebanon front after 20 consecutive months of fighting. Since the beginning of the war, the 146th Division and its reserve brigades have defended the communities in the western sector of the Lebanon border.

During the ground operation in Lebanon, the combat brigade of the 146th Division eliminated about 350 terrorists, struck 750 targets from the air using aircraft, and used more than 4,000 shells. Since the ceasefire came into effect, more than 180 terrorists have been eliminated in Lebanon over approximately 180 days, including 38 from the senior command ranks – a colonel, six battalion commanders, and 28 company and platoon commanders.

The 91st Division is expected to take over the entire Lebanon border sector. In July, one brigade headquarters will withdraw from the sector, and the area will be divided into three regional brigades: the 769th Brigade, a central brigade, and the 300th Brigade. In recent months, the border area has been restructured, many outposts were established at the front line of communities, in addition to five “shields” built in southern Lebanon at strategic points.

תיעוד: מערכות הלייזר שהופעלו במהלך המלחמה נגד חיזבאללה@ItayBlumental pic.twitter.com/DTJxyPE8fS

— כאן חדשות (@kann_news) May 28, 2025

Three commanders from the Israeli military made the following comments:

Northern Command Commander, Major General Ori Gordin, said,
“You played a central role in changing the security reality from end to end, in defeating Hezbollah, in denying its military capabilities, and in removing the threat to the residents of the north. Since that Black Saturday, you have seen only one duty before your eyes: to defend the sector and ensure the security of its residents.”

The Commander of the 146th Division, Brigadier General Yiftach Norkin, stated,
“Today we conclude 600 days of fighting. We are proud to stand at this point in time – to transfer the sector after completing the mission and changing the security reality in the north. From the heads of the local authorities – I learned from you what leadership looks like in times of crisis.”

The Commander of the 91st Division, Brigadier General Yuval Gaz, added,
“Soldiers of the 146th Division, you not only guarded the sector, but also acted to rehabilitate and promote the flourishing of the settlements, together with the civilian leadership. More than 20,000 reservists from the division are here who know every bush in the sector.”

The IDF estimates that Hezbollah has suffered significant military damage. Its raid capabilities, infrastructure, and systems – including the Radwan unit – have been significantly harmed. Nevertheless, the organization still possesses hundreds of medium- and long-range rockets, fewer than 10,000 short-range rockets, and several hundred drones.

Regarding the return of residents, the IDF estimates that 60–70% have returned to their homes, and the major test will be at the beginning of the next school year on September 1. In contrast, the residents of the border villages in Lebanon have not returned, with fewer than 50 construction starts out of 16,000 homes that were destroyed.