JERUSALEM: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have unveiled a cutting-edge self-propelled howitzer designed to counter Hezbollah militants in Lebanon, serving as a defensive measure against potential attacks from the group.

The Ro’em, meaning thunder in Hebrew, is anticipated to be pivotal if the tenuous ceasefire, now lasting 10 days, between Israel and Hezbollah collapses. Diplomatic efforts continue with a second round of talks scheduled for Thursday in Washington D.C., involving Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors, aiming to disarm Hezbollah. The current ceasefire was initiated on Thursday.

Ehud Bibi, the IDF’s Chief Artillery Officer, expressed to Fox News Digital that “The Ro’em introduces a new capability to the Artillery Corps and the IDF overall, transforming the application of firepower in combat. This represents a significant milestone, heralding an era of enhanced precision, speed, and flexibility in firepower, allowing us to provide more effective support to ground forces.”

The Israeli Ro’em self-propelled artillery system is depicted in an undated photo, part of the IDF’s advancement in artillery technology. (IDF)

The IDF stated, “During operations, the troops executed precise artillery fire on several Hezbollah anti-tank and surface-to-surface missile launch sites, which had previously been used to attack IDF forces. These strikes were successful, achieving tactical results and deploying new artillery capabilities, thereby mitigating threats to IDF personnel and Israeli civilians.”

The IDF said the launches were purely defensive attacks against Iran-backed Hezbollah terrorists during the truce. The howitzer can fire roughly 40 kilometers (about 25 miles). A team of three IDF soldiers operate the Ro’em.

Elbit Systems stated on its website that it’s “capable of automatic loading and laying of the gun system, rapid in-and-out action times and high rate of fire. It offers a protected cabin for a crew of three.” Adding that, “Depending on the mission, SIGMA is capable of automatically selecting and loading the required projectile, propellant and fuze and laying the gun to optimally engage targets.” Also known as SIGMA, the Ro’em is produced by South Carolina-based subsidiary of Elbit Systems of America.

Israeli Ro’em self-propelled artillery system is seen in an undated image, part of the IDF’s next-generation artillery capabilities. (IDF)

Hezbollah violated a previous November 2024 ceasefire, which was brokered by the U.S., when it launched missiles into Israel on March 2 in response to the joint Israel-Iran war on Iran’s regime. The Lebanese government and the Lebanese Armed Forces failed to adhere to a deadline in 2025 to disarm Hezbollah.

The United Nations Security Council resolution 1701 also required that Hezbollah be disarmed following the 2006 war between Israel and Lebanon.

According to an IDF statement sent to Fox News Digital about the modern howitzer, last Tuesday, “Troops from the 282nd Fire Brigade of the Artillery Corps, led by the ‘Ro’em’ branch at the Mali (Ground Training Center) Fire Center, conducted… their first operational firing using the “Ro’em” howitzer, in support of IDF troops operating in northern Israel.”

The statement continued that “The ‘Ro’em”’is a new howitzer recently introduced into IDF service, bringing advanced and innovative capabilities to the battlefield. It significantly increases the rate of fire, enables engagement at longer ranges compared to existing systems, and provides enhanced mobility and maneuverability in the field.

Hezbollah attacks on Israel since March 2 resulted in the killing of 2 civilians and 15 Israeli soldiers. Reuters reported that Hezbollah has not disclosed its casualty figures.

Hezbollah worked to build facilities below private residential buildings and houses. (Benoît Durand / Hans Lucas / AFP via Getty Images)

Lebanese authorities report that nearly 2,300 people in Lebanon have been killed since March 2. Those figures don’t differentiate between Hezbollah terrorists and civilians.

Speaking at a Memorial Day event for the country’s fallen troops, the country’s defense Minister Israel Katz pledged to ensure that Israelis in the north, who have faced massive aerial attacks from Hezbollah, will be secure.

“Even as we gather here to honor our fallen, after weeks of determined operations by IDF forces in southern Lebanon, our commitment to the residents of the north remains clear and unequivocal, to bring them security,” Katz said. He noted that “If the Lebanese government continues not to fulfill its obligations, the IDF will do so through continued military activity.”