An Israel Defense Forces soldier was killed and 13 others were wounded, two seriously, in a Hezbollah attack in Southern Lebanon early Saturday morning, the military announced.
The slain soldier was identified as Sgt. First Class Nir Ben Ari, 21, from Kerem Maharal, who served in the Maglan unit of the Commando Brigade.
Ben Ari was killed during an IDF operation to capture a major underground Hezbollah facility beneath the Ali Taher ridge, inside Israel’s security zone. The military said that it had “halted its fire” outside the security zone, but would continue operations inside it, including around the ridge.
The IDF on Saturday night cleared for publication the names of all four soldiers who were slain in Southern Lebanon in a Hezbollah drone attack on their tank overnight Thursday. One of the slain men was previously identified as Lt. Col. Dor Gedalia Ben Simhon, 32, the commander of the 52nd Battalion of the 401st Armored Brigade from Kibbutz Beit HaShita.
The other soldiers whose names were released for publication were Staff Sgt. Yoav Klein, 21, from Herzliya; Staff Sgt. Liav Kababia, 20, from Hod Hasharon; and Staff Sgt. Naveh Havshush, 20, from Geva Binyamin.
“The heart of the nation aches for the loss of four of our finest sons,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement on Sunday morning, adding: “May God avenge their blood.”
“My wife and I send our heartfelt condolences to the dear families, who have lost their precious loved ones,” he stated. “Together with all the citizens of Israel, we embrace them in their time of sorrow and pray for the recovery of our wounded fighters.”
“Yoav, Nir, Liav and Naveh fought with courage and supreme heroism on the front lines against the Hezbollah terrorist organization, in order to safeguard Israel’s security,” continued the premier.
“We will continue to do everything necessary to restore security for the residents of the north,” he said. “May the memory of the fallen be blessed.”
In a message posted on social media following the announcement of his son’s death, Havshush’s father urged family, friends and supporters to continue living their lives in the spirit for which his son fought.
“Dear friends, an IDF officer came to us last night to tell us the worst possible news. Naveh, our sweet and dear son, was killed in Lebanon,” he wrote.
“It would make us very happy to see all of you continuing to go on trips and hikes, and try to continue your routines as best as possible. Naveh was killed for this—that we can continue living in this land with security, happiness and calm.”
