On Sunday, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for attacks on military production sites and an airbase in northern Israel.
“In retaliation for the beeper and walkie-talkie explosions on Tuesday and Wednesday, Hezbollah fired dozens of rockets at the Rafael military industrial complex in northern Israel,” the Iran-backed group stated.
Rafael Systems, Mother of the Iron Dome
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, commonly referred to as Rafael, is an Israeli state-owned company specializing in defense and aerospace technology. Established in 1948, it has earned a global reputation for developing cutting-edge weapon systems.
Rafael is best known for the Iron Dome, a renowned missile defense system capable of intercepting rockets and short-range missiles. Since the onset of the conflict, the Israeli military has heavily relied on Iron Dome, deploying it to protect against attacks from the Gaza Strip, the Lebanese-Israeli border, and in response to other potential threats.
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The company is at the forefront of defense innovation, with a strong focus on incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) and cyber defense into its systems. In addition to traditional defense solutions, Rafael also develops technologies for air, naval, and cyber operations, making it a key player in the global defense industry.
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, working closely with the Israeli military and various international partners, plays a crucial role in the export of Israel’s military technologies. Its facilities hold significant strategic value for the country, making them a prime target for Hezbollah.
A successful shutdown of these factories would significantly impact the production of vital systems, such as the Iron Dome. This would leave Israel more vulnerable to short-range rocket attacks from Hezbollah and other Iran-aligned forces, heightening the threat to its national security.
Ramat David, Israel’s Logistics Hub
Hezbollah also claimed to have targetted the “Ramat David airbase and airport,” located about 45 kilometers from the Lebanese border.
Ramat David Airbase, near the Jezreel Valley, is one of Israel’s key military installations in the north and the only one directly operated by the Israeli Air Force (IAF). Its strategic importance stems from its proximity to the Lebanese and Syrian borders, making it a critical component in Israel’s defense infrastructure.
This proximity also makes it a high priority target for Hezbollah. In July, group released drone footage showcasing various parts of the base. The Israeli military has anticipated such scenarios, regularly conducting drills simulating attacks on the facility.
Ramat David houses several IAF squadrons, including three equipped with F-16 fighter jets (the 109th, 105th, and 101st squadrons) and two specialized in operating drones (the 160th and 157th squadrons). The base also includes a helicopter squadron, along with maintenance and logistics units.
As a hub for surveillance, defense, and attack operations in the region, Ramat David frequently serves as a launch point for missions during wartime or periods of regional tensions.
In the event of a potential Israeli offensive in Lebanon, Ramat David would serve as a key launch point for bombing missions and provide logistical support for ground forces. Disabling the base would deal a significant blow to Israel’s military operations, a key goal for Hezbollah in its efforts to disrupt Tel Aviv’s logistics and military capabilities.
