The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Saturday announced the deaths of three soldiers who were killed in separate incidents during ongoing military operations in southern Lebanon. Staff Sergeant Nir Ben Ari, 21, a fighter in the elite Maglan Unit from Kerem Maharal, was killed overnight in the village of Tebnit after Israeli forces came under a combined rocket attack and an explosive drone strike.
The military also identified two of the soldiers killed in a separate incident a day earlier as Sergeant First Class Liav Kabavia, 20, from Hod Hasharon, and Sergeant First Class Yoav Klein, 21, from Herzliya. Both served in the 52nd Armored Battalion.
The two soldiers were among four servicemen killed when an Israeli tank was struck during combat operations in the same area. The incident also claimed the life of the battalion commander, Lt. Col. Dor Gedalia Ben Simhon. The name of the fourth soldier killed in the attack has not yet been released.
Multiple Casualties Reported in Latest Attack
According to the IDF, the attack that killed Ben Ari also left several soldiers wounded.
Two soldiers sustained serious injuries, one officer was moderately wounded, and ten additional soldiers suffered light injuries. The wounded were evacuated for medical treatment, and their families were notified.
The latest casualties highlight the continued intensity of fighting in southern Lebanon despite ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing hostilities along the northern front.
Military Investigates Cause of Tank Strike
Israeli military officials have ruled out the possibility that the tank incident resulted from a technical malfunction.
Investigators are examining whether the armored vehicle was hit by an explosive drone or an anti-tank guided missile. The findings of the inquiry will be presented to the families of the fallen soldiers once the investigation is completed.
The incident is considered one of the deadliest single attacks against Israeli forces since the current phase of fighting began earlier this year.
Israel Continues Operations in Southern Lebanon
Following the attacks, Israeli forces continued operations against Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon, including airstrikes and artillery fire targeting what the military described as militant infrastructure and launch sites.
Israeli officials have maintained that military operations are necessary to prevent attacks on northern Israeli communities and to neutralize threats posed by Hezbollah forces operating near the border.
Death Toll in Northern Campaign Rises
According to military figures, 36 Israeli soldiers have been killed since the current round of fighting on the northern front began on March 2.
The growing number of casualties has underscored the challenges facing Israeli forces as they continue operations against Hezbollah while diplomatic efforts seek to establish a more durable ceasefire arrangement.
Military officials have emphasized that operations will continue as long as security threats persist, while the investigation into the deadly attacks remains ongoing.
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