Two Israeli Soldiers Injured in Operational Incident in Southern Lebanon

Two officer cadets from the Gefen Battalion were seriously and moderately wounded overnight Saturday during an operational incident in southern Lebanon, the IDF Spokesperson's Unit announced. According to an initial investigation, the soldiers were injured in the town of Majdal Zoun by an exploding grenade during searches for suspects. The grenade reportedly rolled near them. The wounded soldiers were evacuated to Rambam Hospital in Haifa for treatment. The Gefen Battalion had recently arrived to reinforce Division 91 in the northern sector. The incident occurred around 10:00 PM, and the Northern Command has launched an investigation into the circumstances of the operational accident. Since October 7, 2023, 159 soldiers have been killed in operational accidents. Approximately two weeks ago, two reservist sergeants, Nadav Kali and Ofek Moalem, were killed by an exploding IDF drone in a post in the northern Gaza Strip. An initial investigation indicated the soldiers were operating two armed drones when one fell within the post. The soldiers approached the drone, apparently touched it, and an explosion occurred, fatally wounding them. Their deaths were pronounced at Barzilai Hospital in Ashkelon. The preliminary investigation also suggested the drone did not fall due to Hamas electronic warfare capabilities, but was a standard drone on a pre-approved mission. The IDF uses "Atalef" type drones, which function as suicide drones and carry munitions.