Release of three high-quality surveillance videos by Hizballah has caused “shock and awe” in Israel because they reveal coordinates of sensitive military and infrastructure sites that can be targeted by Hizballah’s highly-advanced weapons to inflict real “shock and awe” on Israel.
Hudhud
The UAV used for ISR (“Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance”) by Hizballah is called the Hudhud (English: Hoopoe), a bird that appears twice in Chapter 27 (Surat al-naml) of the Holy Quran (Q27:20, Q27:22). Here, Hoopoe/Hudhud is a communicator of hitherto unknown information: “I have found out something you do not know. I have just come to you from Sheba with sure news” (Q:27:22). Apt name for the Hudhud UAV, which delivered a more comprehensive map of Israeli targets to Hizballah and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Keep in mind that IRGC already had a fairly detailed map of Israeli targets and defensive systems before the successful 13/14 April 2024 attack, with a better picture being drawn of Israeli air defense capabilities after the attack. Now comes Hudhud delivering “sure news.” Hudhud UAV is probably IRGC’s Muhajir-4 ISR drone (below).
The Three Videos
The videos are self-explanatory. The first was released by Hizballah on 18 June 2024; the second on 9 July 2024; the third dropped on 24 July 2024. They show penetration deep into Israel and Occupied Golan, with extensive coverage of Haifa, which will be heavily targeted should the Israelis invade Lebanon (again). The videos serve as deterrance, demonstrating Hizballah’s abilities to acquire high-quality imagery of Israeli targets, and bypass Israel’s air defenses. The three videos serve as warning of the inevitable destruction and humiliation that will follow should Benjamin Netanyahu expand the war. The videos have caused consternation in Israel, which until 7th of October 2023, considered itself invulnerable to attacks. They are learning that the Axis of Resistance is akin an onion: many layers of technologies and capabilities exist. We have more to learn about their military assets.
Video 1:
Video 2:
Video 3:
The fun story about the acquisition of the 3rd video (made on 23 July 2024 and released the next day). Israel claims Iron Dome system was activated by a“flock of birds.” Hudhud is a bird but not a flock! This video, too, delivered “sure news” to the Axis of Resistance, to wit, mapping of Ramat David Air Force base, which is about 20 km southeast of Haifa. It shows fixed wing aircraft, including fighter jets, helicopters, electronic warfare systems, and other sensitive installations.
Comment
An Israeli channel noted that Israelis are “lucky that there is censorship in Israel, and that [people] don’t know more than 90% of what you are prevented from knowing, otherwise you would get into severe anxiety.”
Netanyanu and his ruling coalition of right-wing fanatics want war with Hizballah and Iran. An Israeli “war of choice” is quite likely. But as I have stated, a war with Israel will be welcomed by Hizballah and Iran. It is a “war of necessity” for Hizballah and Iran, but neither will admit this publicly.
Perspectives 
You must be logged in to post a comment.