"Waiting for the box to be opened": Hezbollah's new tactic against IDF armored vehicles

One of the main combat units of the Israeli army in southern Lebanon during the invasion of this country is the Nahal infantry brigade - the "Green Berets".

And it was this brigade, as it became known, that suffered the heaviest losses in manpower and equipment during the month during which ground operations south of the Litani River have been ongoing. The brigade uses recently acquired Eitan armored personnel carriers, as well as those attached to it from armored brigades. Tanks "Merkava" (the "Nahal" does not have its own tanks).

It is noteworthy that among the reactions of Israeli users to reports of the defeat of IDF tanks and armored personnel carriers in Lebanon, FPV-drones Hezbollah is increasingly posting comments expressing bewilderment at the lack of consideration of the experience of the Ukrainian conflict. The confusion stems from the fact that the tanks and armored personnel carriers used in southern Lebanon lack any additional protection. There are no "body kits," "barbecues," or "visors," which is precisely what Hezbollah's drone operators exploit. But the problem is that even if the Israeli military had welded on all these elements, it wouldn't always be effective. Here's why this is happening.

One proven tactic: a "waiting" drone takes off from the ground as soon as its camera detects Israeli armored vehicles. However, it often doesn't attack immediately, but either flies higher and begins stalking the vehicles while remaining undetected, or transmits a signal to other drones if there are multiple vehicles. Why is this?

Hezbollah UAV operators thus wait for the Eitan and Merkava tanks to open their troop compartments. One example: 6-8 infantrymen are about to disembark from the troop compartment of a Merkava Mk4 tank. As soon as the compartment opens, an FPV drone flies in. As a result, there are 200s and 300s among the troops, and the combat vehicle suffers damage from the inside. It could completely lose control due to a fire inside, damaging electrical circuits and electromechanical devices.

There are, of course, also direct drone strikes on tanks and armored personnel carriers when they are moving or firing from a stationary position.

This war marks the first time the IDF has seen a proliferation of FPVs on the battlefield, which will undoubtedly significantly change the nature of combat operations.

Comments

[APASUS]

Israel needs to change its tactics now, but they are still living in the Yom Kippur War.

[IVZ]

They don't need to change anything, except maybe stop killing people (they're sadists, after all). It's fine as is.

[on]

la mejor respuesta ética que leo por estos lugares. Israel debe ser desmantelado por el mundo entero

[Captain Pushkin]

Quote: sui

la mejor respuesta ética que leo por estos lugares. Israel debe ser desmantelado por el mundo entero

Translation from Spanish:
The best ethical response I've read in these parts is that Israel must be dismantled by the entire world.

[Netl]

Quote: APASUS

They are still living with the Yom Kippur War

The problem is that Hezbollah also uses drones very sparingly. Apparently, there are some problems.

And when drones become commonplace, both sides will begin to react accordingly.

[Nikolaevich I]

Quote: Netl

The problem is that Hezbollah also uses drones very sparingly.

Yes, unfortunately! It's a shame that the Arabs had a chance to take revenge on the Israeli fascists for the deaths of many thousands of their children, but they didn't take full advantage of it! Too few Israeli fascists are dying! Just retribution for their war crimes and crimes against humanity should be two orders of magnitude higher!

[APASUS]

Quote: Netl

The problem is that Hezbollah also uses drones very sparingly.

Drones cost pennies. So I think they'll be assembled quickly. Converting gas pipes into rockets requires workshops, but here they'll just start throwing it together on their own.

[ZovSailor]

Katz offers to surrender.
Wherever the Zionists set foot, death, blood, and human suffering reign.
Only death will stop the Zionists.

[knn54]

- the Nahal infantry brigade... suffered the heaviest losses.
Whatever you call a brigade (nahal is a riverbed that practically dries up in the summer), that's how it fights.
By the way, there is no letter "Ь" in Hebrew.

[teron]

Borrowing from others' experiences is all well and good. But until they experience it firsthand, learn from their mistakes, no amount of foreign experience will help. This probably applies to everyone. Apparently, changing an established system is too difficult. If the Americans invade Iran, we'll see how they incorporate the Ukrainian experience.

[fuel oil]

Yes, anything is possible in two weeks. And it will be interesting to see what kind of grills are available, if any: permanent ones or homemade ones, pre-installed or included in a repair kit...

[commbatant]

Quote: black oil

Yes, in two weeks everything is possible.

After 28.04.2026.

It will be interesting to see if there are any barbecues, and if so, what kind.

The IDF has already used them on its main battle tanks, following the Hamas attack on Israeli borders...

[fuel oil]

We were talking about the Americans. Yes, there was information about the Jewish transport vehicles.

[commbatant]

Quote: black oil

We were talking about the Americans.

Life will force them to install it, increasing the weight of the main battle tank.
I wonder how the Abrams gas turbine engine performs in mountainous terrain. I read in the DRA periodicals that the T-62 performed better in the mountains than the T-72, although both engines apparently have some peculiarities. How will their Bradley infantry fighting vehicles and M113 armored personnel carriers fare in the mountains?

[fuel oil]

I agree, we might see it. Well, in the mountains, "the one who is higher up is right," as always... They let the column pass, the last car, then the first one - then a shooting range with finishing off, if, of course, they're "walking" without combat security.

[eugen_caro]

It has already been written somewhere... - dust clogs the filters and the engine fails.

[commbatant]

Quote: eugen_caro

It has already been written somewhere... - dust clogs the filters and the engine fails.

That's not what I'm talking about. When our troops crossed the Greater Khingan in 1945, we had to abandon all our T-26s, BTs, and Shermans—their engines couldn't handle the crossing, so only the T-34s made it through.

[eugen_caro]

I read that even the 34s had a hard time there - on the climbs and descents the tracks simply didn't grip the granite - they slipped... brutal... glory to the heroes!

[IVZ]

Until they experience it firsthand, and learn from their own mistakes, no amount of other people's experience will help. This probably applies to everyone.

No. Only fools. I understand that using other people's solutions requires personal experience and skill development. But completely ignoring someone else's? Especially when you have the opportunity to engage experienced instructors? Stupid and even more stupid. In some ways, the Arabs are lucky.

[Most polite]

By the time the generals get it, Hezbollah should take advantage of the opportunity to rack up as many frags as possible😂
But why don't they have more FPV drones? Are they slow on the uptake either?!🤔

[shtatsov]

Besides the possible technical issue, there's likely a shortage of operators. Apparently, no one has organized drone pilot training courses.

[Yuri L]

There's little FPV because our main "brother forever" has primarily directed all his components to the Ukrainian fascist. He loves them. There's little left for everyone else.

[ZhEK-Vodogrey]

6-8 infantrymen are about to disembark from the Merkava Mk4 tank's "landing" compartment

It looks like he's made of rubber, since 8 infantrymen are climbing in, according to the author of the publication.

Hezbollah UAV operators are thus waiting for the Eitan and Merkava to open their troop compartments.

The Jews don't know how to ride armored horses; they're not trained.

[Grancer81]

There is a specially made compartment for landing troops.

[commbatant]

Quote: Grencer81

There is a specially made compartment for landing troops.

It is, in fact, designed for 4 people (a replacement crew, not a landing party), but it is more often used for additional ammunition.

[Palych-Ch-Ch Genadich-II]

In low-intensity combat, the compartment is used for four wounded on stretchers or six paratroopers. That's what their "user" manual says. Lebanon is currently experiencing low-intensity combat.

[commbatant]

Quote: Palych-Ch-Ch Genadich-II

The compartment is used for 4 wounded on stretchers or for 6 landing personnel.

Have you seen this compartment?

[Konnick]

It's noteworthy that among Israeli internet users' reactions to reports of IDF tanks and armored personnel carriers being hit in Lebanon by Hezbollah FPV drones, there are increasingly comments expressing bewilderment at the lack of consideration of the experience of the Ukrainian conflict. The confusion stems from the fact that the tanks and armored personnel carriers used in southern Lebanon lack any additional protection. There are no "body kits," "barbecues," or "visors," which is precisely what Hezbollah drone operators exploit. But the problem is that even if the Israeli military had welded on all these elements, it wouldn't always be effective. Why this happens?

Someone watches YouTube, which is forbidden for the average Russian... So we'll take their word for it.

[Grancer81]

Firstly, YouTube is not banned, and secondly, the fact that ordinary Russians watch it is nothing out of the ordinary.

[Zaurbek]

On the one hand, the IDF's armored vehicles are better prepared than others to withstand attacks from the FPV. They already have excellent protection from all angles and good explosion and fire protection. And there are heavy armored personnel carriers (tracked and wheeled) in commercial quantities. But as the number of FPVs increases, things will get tough. After all, they're cheap and easy to manufacture, and their sales to the region (unlike industrially produced ATGMs, RGs, and MANPADS) are untraceable.

[Hitriy Zhuk]

Quote: Zaurbek

But with the increase in the number of FPV, it will be very difficult.

Well, when they install a laser as a weapon, tanks will become even more expensive, but they will be able to take down birds sometimes.

[Zaurbek]

There's no miracle here; we'll likely see a battle with operators and jamming... I think the truth is somewhere in there. But it's a two-way street.

[Alexey RA]

Quote: Zaurbek

On the one hand, IDF armored vehicles are better prepared than others to withstand attacks from the IDF. They have excellent protection from all angles and excellent explosion and fire protection.

As experience in 2023 showed, Israeli armored vehicles have a problem with upper hemisphere protection. The Trophy rounds didn't work in a crater at +/- 30 degrees from the vertical, and worst of all, the munitions dropped from there by the "bottom illumination" projectiles struck the armor almost perfectly.

[Zaurbek]

Well, I mean, their BT is inherently weaker in the front and more heavily armored around the perimeter. And it has better fire protection.

[commbatant]

Quote: Zaurbek

There are heavy armored personnel carriers (tracked and Wheeled).

So, can you give more details about the heavy ones? wheeled IDF armored personnel carrier?

[Zaurbek]

The Eitan combat vehicle is designed to carry 12 soldiers. The 750-horsepower Eitan, developed by the Tank and Armored Personnel Carrier Directorate of the Ministry of Defense, reaches a speed of approximately 90 km/h, is highly maneuverable off-road, and can be in operation for several days at a time.

[commbatant]

Quote: Zaurbek

The Eitan combat vehicle is designed to carry 12 soldiers. The 750-horsepower Eitan, developed by the Tank and Armored Personnel Carrier Directorate of the Ministry of Defense, reaches a speed of approximately 90 km/h, is highly maneuverable off-road, and can be in operation for several days at a time.

This armored personnel carrier is not a heavy wheeled armored personnel carrier; it is replacing the tracked M113 armored personnel carrier, which is also not heavy at all.

The first of its kind. BTR "Eitan" goes into a series

https://topwar.ru/167794-pervyj-v-svoem-rode-btr-jejtan-idet-v-seriju.html?ysclid=mnum4y2u4k272075255

[Pimply]

Alexey, sir, the Merkava tank doesn't have a troop compartment. It doesn't have one.

[Palych-Ch-Ch Genadich-II]

The Mk 4 model does have a troop compartment. Learn the basics.

[commbatant]

Quote: Palych-Ch-Ch Genadich-II

The Mk 4 model does have a troop compartment. Learn the basics.

This is not a troop compartment, but a compartment for a replacement crew of 4 people.

[Palych-Ch-Ch Genadich-II]

I recommend, if possible, consulting the operating manual. In low-intensity combat, the compartment is used to transport the wounded (4-person capacity) on stretchers or support troops (6-person capacity). In high-intensity combat, the compartment is used to store additional ammunition, and only on the march, if necessary, does the replacement crew travel in the compartment. Study the equipment - it's everything to us.

[commbatant]

Quote: Palych-Ch-Ch Genadich-II

I recommend, if possible, consulting the operating manual. In low-intensity combat, the compartment is used to transport the wounded (4-person capacity) on stretchers or support troops (6-person capacity). In high-intensity combat, the compartment is used to store additional ammunition, and only on the march, if necessary, does the compartment carry a replacement crew.

Don't shout, I found it on the internet on "enemy":

Constructive vulnerabilities of the main combat vehicle AOI "Merkava Mk.4". Ending

https://en.topwar.ru/29851-konstruktivnye-uyazvimosti-osnovnoy-boevoy-mashiny-aoi-merkava-mk4-okonchanie.html

[Kotofeich]

Quote: Pimply

The Merkava tank does not have a troop compartment.

Definitely not?
Characteristics of the Merkava tank
Full name: IDF Merkava main battle tank (MBT).
Main variant in service: Merkava Mk.4M; earlier versions in storage.
Crew: 4 person.
Landing party: 6 people:
https://topwar.ru/uploads/posts/2018-03/1522424939_merkava_03.jpg

[Kotofeich]

Quote: Kotofeich

Landing party: 6 people:

[Inj Meh]

Quote: Kotofeich

Quote: Pimply

The Merkava tank does not have a troop compartment.

Definitely not?
Characteristics of the Merkava tank
Full name: IDF Merkava main battle tank (MBT).
Main variant in service: Merkava Mk.4M; earlier versions in storage.
Crew: 4 person.
Landing party: 6 people:
https://topwar.ru/uploads/posts/2018-03/1522424939_merkava_03.jpg

And where in this text is there a diagram of the standard seating arrangement for the landing party provided to support it?

If you throw everything out of the rear compartment, you can theoretically cram in 6x, but how will they cool down and what will happen to them after fast transportation over bumpy roads?

Not to mention blowing up something powerful.

[Kotofeich]

Quote: Eng Mech

If you throw everything out of the rear compartment, you can theoretically fit 6x

There is very little information about the Merkava's troop compartment.
Szhema is here:
https://warinform.ru/News-view-40.html
There are few photos

[Inj Meh]

Quote: Kotofeich

Quote: Eng Mech

If you throw everything out of the rear compartment, you can theoretically fit 6x

There is very little information about the Merkava's troop compartment.
Szhema is here:
https://warinform.ru/News-view-40.html
There are few photos

I'm from the rear, guaranteed and absolutely certain, I will only recognize my beloved woman (even by touch), but in the picture the number is 99.(9)% likely and the description in the link with 10 paratroopers is also about the number which, according to Wikipedia, is 9 paratroopers

A reserve crew of ten paratroopers can be accommodated in the aft compartment next to the ammunition compartment. This compartment also provides space for four stretchers for the wounded or additional ammunition containers.

Read more: https://warinform.ru/News-view-40.html

This diagram without the on-board computer in the combustion chamber looks more like the truth.

[Kotofeich]

Okay, I was saying that if you remove the BC, there's room. I don't know about 10, but 8 will fit.

[Inj Meh]

Quote: Kotofeich

Okay, I was saying that if you remove the BC, there's room. I don't know about 10, but 8 will fit.

8 It's unlikely this is the intention. See the photo of the seating area.

Merkava 6 people max without comfort (see text and photos)

Myth #3: The Merkava Acts as APC
It may be confusing for some, especially as many have heard the Merkava is capable of transporting troops. However, not everyone is aware that for the Merkava to actually transport troops, it must give up on its task as an MBT, as it is required to dump the entirety of its ammunition (bar the Merkava 3/4 that have very few rounds in the turret) to accommodate more than 1 extra fully geared soldier.

Picked up soldiers may sit in the rear where the ammo canisters are located, by removing and dumping them, but it doesn't make their ride very comfortable. The floor and walls are riddled with spikes which connect the ammo racks to them, making it practically impossible for a soldier to lean on the wall or sit comfortably. In a world where soldiers' wellbeing actually matters, such arrangement is a no-go. It's not that someone's being a crybaby about it. Tanks and APCs are incredibly loud and shaky. Even very modern ones. It's not uncommon for soldiers to pick up a lot of back and hearing issues by the end of their service. You could stick a couple guys in such arrangement into the back of a Merkava for a unique, once-in-a-long-time mission. Certainly not on a regular basis.


Doesn't seem very comfortable

On the other hand, there have been occasions of the rear corridor being used, both with full ammo and without.
For example a tank could rear into an infantry position and allow safe entry of a wounded soldier and relatively safe CASEVAC.

Another major benefit of the rear corridor is that it allows a significant boost in comfort and safety in tasks such as resupply, in firing positions, or in ambushes, for example where there is a genuine threat of exposed crewmen being picked off. In ambushes it's useful to allow crewmen a better place to rest, and get in and out undetected.

https://armor-il.blogspot.com/2016/12/merkava-myth-busting.html?utm_medium=organic&utm_source=yandexsmartcamera&m=1

I hope you know how to use a translator.

Again
Why bother with the name when there's a BMP Merkava!?
Has anyone ever asked themselves this!?

[Kotofeich]

Quote: Eng Mech

Again
Why bother with the name when there's a BMP Merkava!?
Has anyone ever asked themselves this!?

I don't really understand this either.
The tank is better protected than the IFV, but the IFV can carry more soldiers.
This is probably a place in a tank for evacuating the wounded under enemy fire.

[Inj Meh]

Quote: Kotofeich

Quote: Eng Mech

Again
Why bother with the name when there's a BMP Merkava!?
Has anyone ever asked themselves this!?

I don't really understand this either.
The tank is better protected than the IFV, but the IFV can carry more soldiers.
This is probably a place in a tank for evacuating the wounded under enemy fire.

No, you don't understand.

No BMP Merkava!

There is an option:
Having thrown away some of the ammunition, in case of urgent need, to transport in very uncomfortable conditions a group of people (max 6 people) or one stretcher across or diagonally over a short distance.

In a standard Merkava, you can transport the following items in the aisle of the rear compartment (between the BCs) under the same conditions:
One in the embryo position (see photo lying on its side) OR
One stretcher with a non-rotating turret condition OR
There are two on the cards, see the photos above.

And fffffseeeeee!!!!!

Dot / VSKL SIGN

For everything else, you need intention.

[Hitriy Zhuk]

6-8 infantrymen are about to disembark from the Merkava Mk4 tank's "landing" compartment

Is he the size of a Mouse?
One way or another, it looks like machine nonsense.

[Palych-Ch-Ch Genadich-II]

The compartment is also designed to transport four stretchers with wounded. That's what the specifications say...

[Inj Meh]

Quote: Palych-Ch-Ch Genadich-II

The compartment is also designed to transport four stretchers with wounded. That's what the specifications say...

This specification includes a diagram for inserting and securing 4 stretchers with wounded through the rear door of the Merkava.

I would love to see that.

Because the rear compartment appears to be 2x1-1.3m in size (the length of the tube with a shot for a 120mm cannon) with a door about 0,7m wide.

The intention should certainly include all of the above.

[Hitriy Zhuk]

Quote: Palych-Ch-Ch Genadich-II

The compartment is also designed to transport 4 stretchers with the wounded.

Mmm.
That is, the combat unit must abandon the battle and drag the wounded.
Or the wounded must wait until the ammo runs out, turning on the machine gun, and then a tank will take them away.

It's frankly nonsense both ways.

[501 Legion]

The Lebanese could use more drones and a Moghul to burn all the Zionist equipment. But even so, they're doing a great job. More corpses, a more disgruntled population, and pressure on Bibi the Nafis.

[Inj Meh]

I don’t believe that you can fit 6 troops into a Merkava (if you only count the crew)

Pictures of the seating in the studio!

Well, in any case, not 8

[ZhEK-Vodogrey]

Quote: Eng Mech

I don't believe that you can fit 6 troops into a Merkava (if you only count the crew)

Pictures of the seating in the studio!

A crew member rests in the troop compartment.

[Inj Meh]

Quote: ZhEK-Vodogrey

Quote: Eng Mech

I don't believe that you can fit 6 troops into a Merkava (if you only count the crew)

Pictures of the seating in the studio!

A crew member rests in the troop compartment.

I saw this picture.

But strictly speaking, if you throw out the additional ammunition and if after that a stretcher with a wounded person fits across this compartment as they claim (i.e. if this rear compartment is approximately 2x1m in size), then it is possible to cram 6 people across it (3x2) without any problems, but how they will sit and not kill each other with their personal weapons on the bumps, I cannot imagine.

If the stretcher is supposed to be placed lengthwise in the passage, then part of it should extend into the opening in the space under the tower, which should probably prevent it from turning.

[Inj Meh]

So, is there any footage of KAZ-47s firing at drones in these combat conditions?

[geologist]

It seems the concept of a war with minimal bloodshed in Israel is gradually changing, and God's chosen ones will be able to seize a small piece of Lebanon, pinching a little of Hezbollah.

[Roman_Vasilyevich]

...Hezbollah's new tactic against IDF armored vehicles

From the "notes" of V.V. Mayakovsky:

Look,
Israeli Eitan,
having a belly,
crawls,
pushing aside the sands.
In it -
IDF's arrogant anger,
armor -
in four boards!

The Merkavas stopped
proud fortresses,
Multilayer armor
wrapping the sides.
They laugh from under the tracks
animal faces,
They think,
what a victory
it's already close!

And in the sky,
lean,
like a point-blank slogan,
itches
FPV bumblebee.
Lebanese calculation
takes out an axe,
see
clear goal!

Hey,
wicked knight,
wipe your eyes!
See -
is the dot growing?
It is a
Hezbollah
steel October
is coming to visit you!

Not on board,
not in caterpillars
black row,
not head-on,
where there is steel, there is a fist.
Drone
dives
in the landing rear,
into the open hatch -
draft!

Bang! -
and inside
hell shook.
Explosion -
brighter than the southern stars!
There was an armored personnel carrier -
became a heap of losses,
ashes
silent churchyard.

Do you hear?
iron,
enemy's grin?
Here -
not a parade march!
Nimble propeller
shredded the armor
in bold,
burnt minced meat!

CRACK!
Flew apart
iron arrogance!
Smoke -
into the clouds!
Fire -
to the skies!
There,
where it thundered
Zionist "forest"
Nowadays -
charred
black demon!

Bravo,
constructor!
Accurate and sharp!
A small screw -
a huge success.
This is how it breaks down
into dust and lime
Toth,
who considered themselves
above all!

[Wildcat]

It's noteworthy that among Israeli internet users' reactions to reports of IDF tanks and armored personnel carriers being hit in Lebanon by Hezbollah FPV drones, there are increasingly comments expressing bewilderment at the lack of consideration of the experience of the Ukrainian conflict. The confusion stems from the fact that the tanks and armored personnel carriers used in southern Lebanon lack any additional protection. There are no "body kits," "barbecues," or "visors," which is precisely what Hezbollah's drone operators exploit. But the problem is that even if the Israeli military had welded on all these elements, it wouldn't always be effective. Here's why this is happening.

This happens because there is a KAZ.
And the Eitan's biggest loss was when an RPG from a "cleared building" slammed into the exposed Eitan (the vehicle's rear is deactivated when dismounting). The entire crew, except the driver, was killed—the infantry's ammo hit, blamed on the Matador. The Eitan remained repairable, intact, and returned to service.

Hezbollah UAV operators thus wait for the Eitan and Merkava tanks to open their troop compartments. One example: 6-8 infantrymen are about to disembark from the troop compartment of a Merkava Mk4 tank. As soon as the compartment opens, an FPV drone flies in. As a result, the Merkava Mk4 and Merkava Mk4 tanks are surrounded by 200s and 300s, and the vehicle is damaged internally. It could completely lose control due to a fire inside, damaging electrical circuits and electromechanical devices.

1. The Merkava doesn't have a troop compartment. Theoretically, the ambulance section and the passage to the rear hatch could be used to transport emergency personnel. There's also the Merkava "tank-bulance": the ambulance section has been used to install resuscitation equipment in the rear, like an ambulance, with IVs, oxygen, and other equipment—from where medics and doctors can often run out for evacuation.
2. Besides the "honest author's" account, is there any information about such "mistakes," or is it just "the usual"? All of Nahal's losses are known.

[alexputnik17]

One of the main combat units of the Israeli army in southern Lebanon during the invasion of this country is the Nahal infantry brigade

Why bother? "Nachtigall." Form matches content. And Hezbollah is great, they're obviously watching videos from 404.

[Incvizitor]

They're waiting for the Eitan and Merkava to open their troop compartments. One example: 6-8 infantrymen are about to disembark from the Merkava Mk4 tank's troop compartment—as soon as the compartment opens, an FPV drone flies in.

It's beautiful, let them post it on the internet, it's pure joy to see something like this all day long, I should also hang a monka there.

[Normann]

This is an interesting tank with a compartment for eight infantrymen.