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Military officials are examining whether the device was an older remnant or one placed more recently in violation of the ceasefire.
By United with Israel Staff
Two Israeli reservists were killed in recent days during fighting in southern Lebanon, underscoring the continued dangers facing IDF forces even as a ceasefire takes hold.
Staff Sgt. (res.) Lidor Porat, 31, was killed when an IDF engineering vehicle struck a Hezbollah explosive device during operations in southern Lebanon. Nine additional soldiers were wounded in the blast, including one seriously, four moderately, and four lightly.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed condolences, saying Porat “fought with bravery to defend our communities and citizens and so we will continue to do.”
Separately, the IDF announced the death of Master Sgt. (res.) Barak Kalfon, 48, who succumbed to wounds sustained in a similar incident days earlier. Kalfon, a fighter in Battalion 7056, had been critically injured in an explosion in southern Lebanon and died after a prolonged battle for his life in the hospital.
His mother described him as deeply committed to his service. “He saw his military service as a personal national mission,” she said, adding that fellow soldiers “felt safe with him” and looked to him for leadership.
Netanyahu said Kalfon “fought with bravery and fell in southern Lebanon,” adding that Israeli forces will continue operating “to thwart threats against our communities.”
The attacks reflect a broader pattern, with Hezbollah systematically planting explosive devices along routes used by IDF forces. The devices are often concealed deep within roads, inside civilian structures, or beneath floors, and are triggered through a range of mechanisms, from pressure activation to remote detonation.
The IDF is now investigating the circumstances of the latest incident, focusing in part on when the explosive device was planted.
The village of Kila, where the blast occurred, had already been largely destroyed during previous fighting with Hezbollah in late 2024. Military officials are examining whether the device was an older remnant or one placed more recently in violation of the ceasefire.
The incidents come as a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon took effect late Thursday, following weeks of intense fighting and heavy rocket fire by Hezbollah on northern Israel.
Just days before Israel’s Memorial Day, the nation once again mourns soldiers who gave their lives defending the country, a stark reminder of the cost of defending the nation.
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