By Pesach Benson • March 22, 2026
Jerusalem, 22 March, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israel Friends has shifted its operations toward urgent battlefield support since February 28, as renewed large-scale fighting drove a surge in requests for equipment from Israeli military units, the organization’s chief executive said.
Kyle Blank, CEO of Israel Friends, said the nonprofit has prioritized rapid delivery of drones, first aid kits, and other essential gear to frontline and reserve forces facing shortages.
“Since the war started on February 28, our main focus has been delivering drones — thermal drones and night-capable drones — along with first aid kits and other priority equipment,” Blank said.
The organization, which has worked for more than two years with the military and government ministries on defense and healthcare initiatives, said the escalation created new logistical pressures. Hezbollah renewed rocket fire on northern Israeli communities, prompting the return of Israeli ground forces to southern Lebanon.
“When you go from tens of thousands of soldiers to over 100,000 in a very short time, every unit suddenly needs drones, helmets and medical gear,” Blank said. “It’s not just about stockpiles — it’s about how fast you can get equipment to the field.”
Requests for thermal drones have increased by “a few hundred percent” compared with the previous month, he said. Thermal drones, used to detect heat signatures and support reconnaissance missions, typically cost between $8,000 and $10,000, while more advanced night-capable models can reach $12,000 to $15,000.
“There aren’t thousands of drones sitting in warehouses,” he said. “When something breaks, or when new units are called up, there’s a gap.”
Israel Friends has delivered dozens of drones to military units since late February, part of a broader effort that has included thousands of items distributed since the start of the war.
Blank cited a recent case in which a special unit preparing to re-enter Lebanon sought assistance after two of its small reconnaissance drones were damaged.
“These are commandos who find tunnels and send drones into inside to see what’s what’s going on, and that’s how they found a massive cache of weapons,” Blank said. “They were told replacements would arrive in eight to 10 days, but they were going back in within 48 hours. We were able to get them three new drones in less than 24 hours and deliver them to the border.”
The organization has also continued supplying first aid kits, which Blank described as essential in sustained combat conditions.
“If a soldier uses a tourniquet or a chest seal, it’s gone. If a drone breaks, it’s gone,” he said. “These are items that need constant replenishment.”
Blank said criticism of the military’s preparedness often overlooks the complexity of managing supply chains during rapid mobilization, noting that units may loan out equipment and be deployed before it is returned.
“It’s not a matter of placing blame,” Blank explained. “The troops need our help. The civilian guards need our help. The first responders need our help. And if we have a chance to help them, we should.”
Founded in the aftermath of Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack, Israel Friends mobilized within 24 hours, bringing together entrepreneurs, logistics experts, and global partners to deliver critical supplies. It has since expanded into battlefield technology and mental health programs.
In mental health care, Israel Friends has provided more than 40,000 hours of therapy through its Healthy Mind teletherapy program, Matanya Farm, and other initiatives.
“People have been incredibly supportive,” Blank said. “At the same time, this is ongoing. There are new requirements every day, and it’s important not to lose sight of that.”
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