IDF soldier KIA in Southern Lebanon

An Israel Defense Forces soldier was killed fighting Hezbollah terrorists in Southern Lebanon, the military said on Monday.

Sgt. Liran Ben-Zion, 19, from Holon in the greater Tel Aviv area, served in 9th Battalion of the 401st “Iron Tracks” Brigade, it stated. An officer was seriously wounded in the same incident, according to the IDF.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a statement extended his “deepest condolences to the family of Armored Corps soldier Sgt. Liran Ben-Zion, of blessed memory, who fell in battle in Southern Lebanon.

“Liran, of blessed memory, fought bravely on the front line to protect our communities and our citizens from the Hezbollah terrorist organization,” he said.

“We embrace Liran’s family and share in their grief over this heavy loss,” the premier added. “May his memory be blessed and forever cherished.”

Defense Minister Israel Katz said Ben-Zion “fell in a heroic battle in Southern Lebanon.

“Liran, 19 at the time of his death, fought alongside his comrades with devotion for the security of the State of Israel and the defense of the residents of the north,” he said.

“I send wishes for a speedy recovery to the officer wounded in the incident, and to all wounded IDF soldiers, and I strengthen and support our heroic fighters who continue to operate with determination across all arenas,” said Katz.

Earlier on Monday, the IDF said that three Israeli soldiers were severely wounded and three others were moderately injured on Sunday in incidents in Southern Lebanon.

Two of the severe casualties resulted from an anti-tank missile strike, while the others were hurt when a drone hit near them.

A sixth soldier suffered moderate injuries in an unrelated operational accident.

All were evacuated to the hospital and their families were notified.

An IDF soldier was killed in action in Southern Lebanon, the military announced on Sunday morning. He was identified as Sgt. Moshe Yitzchak Hacohen Katz, 22, from New Haven, Conn.

Hezbollah began firing rockets and suicide drones at Israel on March 2, in retaliation for the Jewish state’s targeted killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the opening strikes of “Operation Roaring Lion/Epic Fury” against the regime on Feb. 28.

In response to the terrorist organization’s violation of the U.S.-brokered Nov. 27, 2024, truce agreement with Lebanon, Jerusalem launched an aerial campaign against Hezbollah and ordered IDF troops to advance and take control of additional areas in Southern Lebanon to halt cross-border attacks.

The IDF on Monday said it began “striking Hezbollah terrorist infrastructures in Beirut,” after saying on Sunday that the IDF had eliminated dozens of terrorists and destroyed more than 200 Hezbollah targets as part of efforts to expand the security zone in Southern Lebanon.

Israeli forces carried out targeted ground and air operations in Southern Lebanon over the past day, eliminating Hezbollah terror operatives and uncovering weapons caches, the IDF detailed in additional statements on Sunday.

Reserve troops from the 769th “Hiram” Brigade, operating under the IDF’s 91st “Galilee” Division, are conducting a ground operation to enhance the forward defensive area along the Lebanese border. During the activity, Unit 869 surveillance troops identified armed Hezbollah terrorists entering a structure, which was later struck by an Israeli Air Force aircraft, according to the military.

In a separate overnight incident, IDF soldiers spotted Hezbollah members attempting to plant explosive devices and fire mortar shells at troops. The forces returned fire, killing the terrorists, the IDF said, adding that no Israeli injuries were reported.

Troops also located a weapons depot containing dozens of anti-tank missiles, grenades and explosives intended for attacks on Israeli soldiers.

The Israeli military struck a cell of Hezbollah terror operatives Saturday who were disguised as paramedics and operating near an ambulance in Southern Lebanon, the IDF said.

According to the military, the operatives used ambulances to move weapons between Northern and Southern Lebanon and to facilitate attacks against Israeli forces. The IDF said dozens of rockets were fired at Israel from areas where the cell operated over the past month.

The IDF called the use of medical vehicles and personnel to conceal terrorist activity a serious violation of international law, noting that medical teams lose protected status when engaged in hostile acts.

The army said it will continue to “operate with determination” against Hezbollah, which it accused of acting on behalf of the Iranian regime.