Led by Hamas: Militants in the West Bank intensify efforts to use drones

The IDF is identifying increasing attempts by militants in Judea and Samaria to use drones for intelligence gathering and carrying out attacks, inspired by the fighting in Lebanon. So far, the attempts have failed, but there has been a rise in smuggling and funding led by Hamas abroad from Turkey. A complete ban on drone possession has been imposed in the area, and 500 drones have been confiscated since the beginning of the year.

In recent months, the IDF has identified growing attempts by militants in Judea and Samaria to use drones for intelligence gathering and carrying out attacks. This trend stems from terrorist organizations learning from the fighting in Lebanon. So far, the attempts have failed, but security officials report an increase in smuggling, funding, and purchases in recent weeks. The effort is led by Hamas abroad operating from Turkey. The IDF fears that the "flooding" of the territories with drones will undermine security stability in the area and near the Jordanian border. In accordance with a military commander's order, a complete ban on drone possession has been imposed in Judea and Samaria, due to concerns they could be fitted with explosives. Since the beginning of the year, IDF forces have confiscated 500 drones of various types, the highest figure in recent years. The IDF is conducting a "race against time" to prevent the entry of this new threat.