To lead the advance and protect infantry from concealed explosives, the platoon deploys behind heavy armor as a kinetic shield.
By Hezy Laing
The IDF relies on a precise, multi-layered doctrine to enter and sterilize heavily boobytrapped combat zones in Lebanon, minimizing casualties against defensive networks laid by enemy forces.
When an infantry platoon from a combat brigade like the Golani or Paratroopers enters non-urban natural environments like the rocky terraced hillsides, thick thickets, and deep ravines of Southern Lebanon, the IDF platoon shifts its sterilization focus to natural camouflage and subterranean anomalies.
Enemy forces heavily lace these rural zones with concealed “nature reserves”—hidden bunker networks and launch sites dug directly into the limestone terrain.
Platoon commanders utilize specialized thermal imaging sensors and ground-penetrating radar to detect disturbed earth, camouflaged hatch covers, and directional anti-personnel mines hidden inside artificial rocks.
To lead the advance and protect infantry from concealed explosives, the platoon deploys behind heavy armor explicitly as a kinetic shield.
Armored bulldozers tear through thick brush while Merkava Mark 4 main battle tanks, equipped with the Trophy active protection system, move directly ahead of the foot soldiers to clear the path.
Fitted with heavy, front-mounted steel mine plows or roller attachments, these 65-ton vehicles deliberately crush pressure plates, detonate magnetic mines, and trigger hidden tripwires harmlessly beneath their tracks.
By absorbing the brunt of localized blasts and providing immediate heavy fire support against enemy ambush positions, the tanks establish a verified, physically cleared corridor for the following troops.
Meanwhile combat engineers deploy portable mine-clearing line charges to blast safe pathways through open fields.
Next come specialized anti-drone teams to protect advancing IDF infantry platoons.
Operating alongside the lead armored vehicles, these teams act as a critical “sky shield” to neutralize hostile unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) before troops move into an unsterilized area .
Anti-drone operators deploy right at the front of the column, typically embedded with the reconnaissance company or riding in forward armored vehicles like the Eitan APC or Namer.
Their primary job is to establish an immediate electronic and kinetic bubble over the platoon before foot soldiers step into the open.
How They Lead and Protect the Troops
Continuous Horizon Scanning: Operators use portable radar backpacks and handheld RF (radio frequency) detectors to scan the sky for incoming first-person view (FPV) kamikaze drones or spotter UAVs.
Electronic Jamming: Lead teams use directional jammer guns (like the Smash Hopper or Enforce Air systems) to instantly disrupt the GPS and control signals of hostile drones, forcing them to crash or return to base.
Kinetic Interception: Soldiers are increasingly equipped with computerized optics, such as the Smart Shooter (SMASH) fire control system on their rifles, which allows them to perfectly track and shoot down small, fast-moving drones with their standard weapons on the first shot.
Blindspot Clearing: By taking out enemy drone spotters immediately, these teams prevent ambushes and stop enemy mortar teams from getting accurate coordinates on the advancing platoon.
