Deputy 401 Brigade Commander Takes Over 52nd Battalion After Fatal Lebanon Incident

Deputy commander of the 401st Brigade, Lt. Col. N., assumed command on Thursday as acting commander of the 52nd Battalion after its commander, Lt. Col. Dor Ben Shimon, was killed in a tank incident along with three soldiers: Staff Sgt. Naveh Havshush, Staff Sgt. Yoav Klein, and Staff Sgt. Liav Kababia.

On taking over, N. spoke to his soldiers on the radio and said, "This is a difficult time, we are beginning at this hour the funeral of D.B.S. There is much to say and not enough words to say it. We are here in the name of the people of Israel, a people that for thousands of years has gone to fight for its freedom and independence."

Ben Shimon was married and the father of two daughters. He came from a family of fighters, with four brothers who enlisted in the 401st Brigade and another brother who joined the Golani Brigade. His wife serves as a combat officer in the Intelligence and Border Corps.

Ben Shimon grew up in the Armored Corps in the 401st Brigade and held most of his significant command roles there. He led soldiers and commanders in a series of operational posts, was noted for professionalism and leadership, later served as head of the Northern Command commander’s office during Operation Northern Arrows until residents returned, and left that role in August. Afterward he attended command and staff college, and in April returned to the command track and was appointed commander of Battalion 52.