Since the ceasefire following Israel’s last conflict with Lebanon in November 2024, Israel has continued to target Hezbollah operatives with precision strikes, largely using advanced surveillance and intelligence technologies, according to military and strategic sources.

The Israeli army announced two weeks ago that over 300 Hezbollah members had been killed since the ceasefire took effect, in addition to prior strikes that killed between 4,000 and 5,000 of the group’s leaders and operatives, while wounding roughly 9,000 others who were no longer active in combat.

Most post-ceasefire killings occur while operatives are traveling, primarily in southern Lebanon, raising questions about Hezbollah’s inability to avoid Israeli detection and the possible deployment of new technologies on the battlefield.

Retired military strategist Elias Hanna explained that Israel’s sustained ability to locate and target Hezbollah operatives is “expected and unsurprising,” noting that comprehensive data had been collected on the group during the Syrian conflict. Their civilian and commercial activities left many exposed, and the intelligence is continuously updated using artificial intelligence.

“There are multiple sources of information, including human intelligence on the ground, electronic surveillance, and social media monitoring,” Hanna told Asharq Al-Awsat. “Human agents remain the most critical source, complemented by 24/7 surveillance. Biometric data such as facial recognition, voice, and iris scans also play a key role in tracking targets.”

Hezbollah has tried to counter Israel’s technological advantage with asymmetric tactics, including mass mobilization and unconventional operational methods. However, communication restrictions following the 2023 Beirut pager explosions have forced operatives to move frequently, exposing them to strikes.

“It is extremely difficult to form new leadership networks when existing leaders are compromised,” Hanna said.

Technology and communications expert Amer Tabash highlighted Israel’s use of satellite tracking, monitoring of unusual radio frequencies, and planted microphones with AI-assisted laser surveillance. Drones are used to confirm targets,  relying on full-body movement and biometric identification rather than solely on facial recognition, ensuring operatives can be identified even if masked.

Tabash added that some Hezbollah members may have resumed using phones, while local agents active during the war continue to provide intelligence.