The IDF announced the deaths of four soldiers, including the commander of the 52nd Battalion, after an explosive drone or anti-tank missile struck their tank in Kfar Tebnit, southern Lebanon. In response, the IDF struck more than 80 Hezbollah targets overnight across southern Lebanon and the Beqaa Valley.
The IDF confirmed Friday afternoon that four soldiers were killed overnight after an explosive-laden drone or anti-tank missile struck their tank in the southern Lebanon village of Kfar Tebnit. The fallen are Lt. Col. Dor Gedalia Ben Simhon, 32, commander of the 401st Armored Brigade's 52nd Battalion, from the Beit HaShita community, and three additional soldiers whose names have not yet been cleared for publication. A separate Hezbollah drone attack hours later in the same area wounded a reserve officer severely and four NCOs lightly.
In response, the IDF said it struck over 80 Hezbollah targets across southern Lebanon and the Beqaa Valley, including command centers, launch positions, and infrastructure sites. Dozens of Hezbollah operatives were eliminated in the strikes, according to the military. Defense Minister Israel Katz said the IDF will remain in the security zone in Lebanon, from the coastline to Beaufort, and that every Hezbollah ceasefire violation will be met with great force.
As The Zioneer reported earlier Friday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu eulogized Ben Simhon and said he ordered the extensive strikes following what he termed a severe ceasefire violation. The IDF said it also struck two Hezbollah command centers in the Beqaa Valley while operatives were inside, and dismantled a launcher used to fire rockets at Israeli forces. The exact cause of the lethal explosion remains under investigation.
2 developments
- StrongHezbollah footage claims to show anti-tank missile strike on IDF tank that killed four soldiers
- StrongNetanyahu, Katz define Hezbollah attacks on IDF troops in southern Lebanon as ceasefire violations, ordering massive strikes
- DevelopingIDF says it struck 70+ Hezbollah sites, eliminated seven operatives from underground route
- DevelopingIDF battalion commander, three soldiers killed in Hezbollah attack in southern Lebanon
Source and signal
- Internal intake