Israeli Soldier Killed In Major Clash With Hezbollah

The escalating tension between Israel and Hezbollah has resulted into the death of an Israeli soldier. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF), in a statement, has confirmed the death of a Navy Soldier during cross-border airstrikes between Israel and Hezbollah.

The dead soldier is identifies as 21-years-old, David Moshe Ben shitrit from Geva Binyamin in the occupied West Bank. He lost his life “during combat in northern Israel”.

Also Read: Jordan Warns Of Potential Regional Conflict Due To Lebanon Tensions

According to Israel’s state-owned Kan TV, Ben Shitrit was injured by an Israeli interceptor missile. This missile struck the Dvora patrol boat where he was stationed. The soldier later succumbed to his injuries. The incident occurred while Israel’s aerial defense systems were attempting to intercept a Hezbollah attack involving approximately 320 rockets, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

In response, the IDF deployed nearly 100 warplanes to target dozens of sites in southern Lebanon. The airstrikes hit hundreds of rocket launchers aimed at Israel. The IDF described this action as a “preemptive attack.” It was a reaction to Hezbollah’s rocket and drone assault, which followed the assassination of a senior leader in July.

Lebanese sources reported that four Hezbollah fighters lost their lives and six others sustained injuries in southern Lebanon due to the Israeli air attacks. On Sunday morning, Israeli warplanes launched over 40 airstrikes on southern Lebanon. This was the most severe attack since cross-border exchanges with Hezbollah began on October 8, 2023.

Hezbollah, in turn, launched hundreds of missiles and drones deep into Israel. They labeled this as the “first phase” of their response to the assassination of their commander, Fouad Shukr, in Beirut last month. Since October 8, 2023, Hezbollah and the Israeli army have engaged in daily exchanges of fire across the Blue Line. These clashes have resulted in hundreds of casualties, mostly on the Lebanese side.

This escalation occurs amid the ongoing war in Gaza. Since the Hamas incursion on October 7, 2023, Israel has killed over 40,400 Palestinians. The conflict has devastated much of Gaza, leaving many homeless, hungry, and vulnerable to disease.