IDF Names Two Soldiers Killed in Heavy Fighting in Southern Lebanon

The IDF said on Saturday evening that it had cleared for publication the names of soldiers killed in intense battles in southern Lebanon in recent days. The fallen are Staff Sgt. Yoav Klein and Sgt. Maj. Nir Ben Ari. Klein was killed in one combat incident in which Lt. Col. Dor Gedalia Ben Shimon was also killed, יחד with two more soldiers whose names have not yet been released.

Ben Ari was killed in a separate incident in which two IDF soldiers were seriously wounded and one combat officer was moderately wounded. All the injured were evacuated to hospitals, and their families were notified.

The fighting is continuing in the Tebnine area and nearby zones, where IDF forces are operating against underground terror infrastructure. The military said it is facing operational challenges, including dozens of trapped militants in the area, and that its decisions are based on professional considerations.

Despite the political leadership's order to halt fire beyond the "yellow line," the IDF said it is continuing to remove threats and remains committed to defending northern communities. The army also said it is on very high alert for other fronts, including Iran, and is prepared for any scenario, including a return to intense fighting if needed.