Six Israeli soldiers were killed in a confrontation with Hezbollah militants in southern Lebanon on Wednesday, marking the second deadliest incident for the IDF since the start of the September invasion of the Jewish state’s northern neighbor.
The casualties, assigned to the Golani Brigade’s 51st Battalion, were identified as Sgt. Yoav Daniel, 19, Staff Sgt. Sraya Elboim, 21, Staff Sgt. Nir Gofer, 20, Staff Sgt. Dror Hen, 20, Sgt. Shalev Itzhak Sagron, 21, and Cpt. Itay Marcovich, 22.
A seventh individual was reported injured in the incursion and was transported to the hospital for treatment.
The engagement took place after IDF forces entered a building in an undisclosed Lebanese village and were confronted with small arms fire from at least four operatives belonging to the Tehran-backed militia. The attackers were said to have been eliminated by responding units.
Military authorities in Israel have confirmed the deaths of 792 IDF personnel since the outbreak of regional hostilities in October 2023, including 40 who fell during this year's Operation Northern Arrows in Lebanon.
Related Story: IDF Sends Third Division into Lebanon
