The IDF said Thursday morning it had cleared for publication that Staff Sergeant (res.) Alexander Filin, 29, of Haifa, a fighter in Division 36 headquarters, was killed in combat in southern Lebanon. The blast occurred when an explosive device was activated against the command post of the division’s deputy commander. Seven other IDF personnel were hurt in the same incident, three moderately and four lightly, and all were evacuated for treatment, with their families notified.
According to the military, the incident took place yesterday around 5 p.m. as a force from the deputy commander’s headquarters and Givati troops were moving on foot in the Litani area. An explosive charge was triggered against them, wounding four soldiers who were evacuated by helicopter. A few minutes later, another explosive drone hit an evacuation vehicle, injuring one more soldier. The IDF then struck terrorist infrastructure in the area with artillery fire.
The army is investigating whether the event was caused by an IDF explosive device, which would make it an operational accident, or by an enemy charge. Defense Minister Israel Katz praised Filin, saying he had repeatedly reported for reserve duty out of a deep sense of mission, and sent his condolences to the family and wishes for a full recovery to the wounded. Haifa Mayor Yona Yahav also eulogized him, saying he left his routine and loved ones to defend Israel and its citizens.
The report also recalled that yesterday morning five soldiers were wounded by two consecutive Hezbollah explosive drones, one seriously, two moderately and two lightly. Two weeks ago, Capt. Shahar Gamla, 23, and Staff Sgt. Ahad Yaari, 21, were killed in separate incidents in Lebanon. Since the start of the war on October 7, 957 soldiers have been killed and 6,424 wounded, including 958 seriously, 1,572 moderately and 3,894 lightly. Five soldiers are currently hospitalized in serious condition and 149 in moderate condition.
