An IDF soldier seriously wounded in combat last Thursday has deteriorated overnight and is now fighting for his life in hospital, his family announced Sunday morning. The family is calling on the public to pray for the recovery of Malachi Yekutiel ben Hila Dafna.
The family of IDF reservist Malachi Yekutiel ben Hila Dafna announced Sunday morning that his condition deteriorated overnight and he is now fighting for his life. The soldier was seriously wounded Thursday in a building encounter with a Hezbollah gunman in Bint Jbeil, southern Lebanon. The family's plea for prayers was issued at around 07:00 Jerusalem, and the soldier's identity was released shortly after.
The injury was first reported by Israeli media and confirmed by the IDF on Friday July 3 at 05:56 Jerusalem. The military said the reservist, from the 679th Armored Brigade, was wounded in an exchange of fire in Bint Jbeil; the Israeli Air Force struck the building and search for the assailant continued. Over subsequent hours, The Zioneer reported that the soldier was the third severe wounding in the area that week, and that two other soldiers were lightly injured. The soldier's condition deteriorated overnight Saturday-Sunday, leading to the family's announcement.
The encounter took place as IDF operations continue in southern Lebanon, as The Zioneer has reported regularly. The military has not provided further details on the soldier's injuries or the identity of the gunman, whose fate remains unknown.
The soldier's prognosis remains unclear. The family has not released additional medical information. The search for the Hezbollah operative who wounded him is ongoing.
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Source and signal
- Internal intake