Daijiworld Media Network – Jerusalem
Jerusalem, Jun 19: Four Israeli soldiers were killed during combat operations in southern Lebanon, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Friday. Among those killed was Lieutenant-Colonel Dor Gedalia Ben Simhon, commander of the 52nd Battalion of the 401st Brigade.
According to the IDF, the incident occurred at around 12.20 am when a suspicious object struck a tank operated by Battalion 52 forces in the village of Tebnit in southern Lebanon. The circumstances surrounding the strike are currently under investigation.
The military said the families of all four soldiers had been informed, though the names of the remaining three fallen troops were yet to be released.
Lt Col Ben Simhon, 32, had assumed command of the battalion on April 20, 2026, after his predecessor was seriously wounded during fighting in southern Lebanon.
Married and a father of two daughters, Ben Simhon hailed from a family with a long tradition of military service. Five brothers from the family served in combat roles, with four joining the 401st Brigade and another serving in the Golani Brigade. His wife is a combat officer in Israel’s Combat Intelligence Collection and Border Defense Corps.
Paying tribute, Kibbutz Beit Hashita, Ben Simhon’s hometown, described him as a determined and responsible commander who stepped forward to lead the battalion during one of the most challenging periods of the conflict.
The Gilboa Regional Council also expressed condolences, praising his leadership, courage and commitment on the battlefield.
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid mourned the soldiers’ deaths, saying the news was heartbreaking and extending his sympathies to the bereaved families.
Democrats MK Rabbi Gilad Kariv also paid tribute to the fallen troops, while calling on the government to translate military achievements into diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing further loss of life.
The latest fatalities come amid continued military operations and heightened tensions along Israel’s northern border with Lebanon.