IDF Soldier Critically Wounded in Grenade Explosion in Southern Lebanon

A soldier in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) was critically injured and another combat officer sustained moderate injuries last Friday due to a grenade explosion during operational activity in southern Lebanon. Both were evacuated to a hospital for medical treatment, and their families have been notified. The IDF has launched an investigation into the circumstances of the incident, examining both technical and operational possibilities, including whether the explosion resulted from a technical malfunction of the grenade or human error during its activation. The incident occurred as the IDF is in a new phase of its operations in the area. In recent weeks, forces completed the clearing of the Al-Tahir ridge, destroyed Hezbollah's underground infrastructure in the region, and concluded a brigade raid in the Al-Mansouri area south of Tyre. According to the military, the objective of destroying terror infrastructure along the " خط אדום " (red line) has been achieved. The IDF is now reorganizing its forces and establishing a new system of fortifications along the border. The goal of this new system is to strengthen long-term defense for residents of northern Israel, while maintaining defensive depth and operational freedom, including targeted eliminations. Defense establishment officials explained that the gradual reduction of forces and redeployment along the border are intended to allow reserve forces to refresh and maintain endurance. They added that this move might also shorten the number of reserve duty days planned for the upcoming year. However, operations in the field remain dangerous. About a week prior, two soldiers were lightly injured when an engineering vehicle struck an explosive device planted by Hezbollah. In response, the IDF conducted a broad wave of strikes on observation posts and terror infrastructure in the area.