Air Force: Israeli fighter jets could be shot down in all-out war with Hezbollah, will need to take risks

In the event of a war with Lebanon, the Israeli Air Force will need to take risks to combat Hezbollah’s air defenses, according to new assessments described to The Times of Israel.

The IAF has assessed that fighter jets may be shot down in an all-out war with Lebanon, and risks will need to be taken to obtain aerial superiority during the first days of a major conflict.

So far, amid ongoing skirmishes along the border, Hezbollah has shot down at least five Israeli drones, and in one case, fired missiles at Israeli jets without success.

The IAF has knowledge of the Iranian-made anti-aircraft systems that Hezbollah is in possession of, and has repeatedly made efforts to target them amid the ongoing fighting.

The Israeli military has plans ready in the event of an escalation with Hezbollah, although Israel’s political leadership has not yet made a decision on launching an offensive in Lebanon and turning the Gaza Strip into a secondary front. Regardless, the IAF maintains readiness for the event of a sudden escalation as a result of Hezbollah’s actions.