Journalist Amit Segal (N12) reports in his column that both IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir and Shin Bet Director David Zini view the drone threat as a transformative development comparable to the arrival of the tank in World War I, and believe it will persist across all future campaigns. Segal notes that the threat has already altered security protocols, including a cabinet meeting held this week in an undisclosed location.
### Drones as the 'Tank' of Modern Warfare
In a column published Friday, veteran journalist Amit Segal (N12) reports that both IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir and Shin Bet Director David Zini view the drone threat as a fundamental shift in warfare, comparable to the introduction of the tank in World War I. According to Segal, when the Chief of Staff was asked when Israel would eliminate the drone threat, he replied: 'About when we eliminate the anti-tank or missile threat.' Both believe the drone is a permanent fixture across all future campaigns.
### Impact on Leadership Security
Segal links several recent Israeli security measures — the southern Lebanon security zone, the secret cabinet meeting, the departure of 'Wing of Zion' from Nevatim, and reports of aircraft shot down 'from the east' — to the shared understanding that Iran has found a way to change the equation. Drones from southern Lebanon have been the only Hezbollah weapon causing real loss of life, and the same tactic could be tried from Gaza and Judea and Samaria.
The column warns that Iranian agents have been hired en masse but failed to get close to senior officials. However, a group of drones crashing on a major public event — such as an officer graduation ceremony attended by the Prime Minister, Defense Minister, and Chief of Staff — is a scenario that deeply concerns Shin Bet chief Zini.
### The New Normal
Segal argues that the logic of aerial threat should apply to every public appearance at a known location and time. He predicts that restrictions similar to those imposed during the containment years of Hamas in Gaza — which banned senior visits south of a certain line — may soon apply to all PM appearances. The secret cabinet meeting this week, Segal writes, is just the preview. He concludes that the IDF should shift its focus from rockets to drones, which can be easily smuggled across borders.
3 developments
- StrongZamir: Israel establishing robotics and drone corps to lead the world on attack and defense
- DevelopingZamir calls for unity as rabbis threaten to bar students from tank units over mixed-gender pilot
- StrongAmid Segal describes tank battle footage from Lebanon last week: wounded inside, troops scramble under Hezbollah drones
- DevelopingIDF Chief of Staff: We brought significant change to Gaza, Tehran — both now feel persecuted
Source and signal
- Open-source intake