IDF Captain David Hazut Killed in Clash with Hezbollah in Southern Lebanon

The IDF confirmed that Captain David Hazut, commander of a platoon in the Golani Brigade's 12th Battalion, was killed during a nighttime encounter with a Hezbollah militant in southern Lebanon. The incident occurred around 2:00 AM near Deir Sirian, where Hazut's unit came under fire. Hazut, a resident of Ashkelon and an only child, was fatally shot, and another soldier was lightly wounded and evacuated for medical treatment. The Israeli forces returned fire, though it remains unclear if the attacker was neutralized, and subsequently launched artillery strikes in the area.

This clash marks the first fatal incident since the signing of the agreement with the Lebanese government. Just three days prior, Sergeant Major Basel Sweid from the village of Peki'in died in a separate operational accident in southern Lebanon, which also left another soldier moderately injured. Additionally, four IDF soldiers were wounded after a militant threw a grenade at them; all were evacuated to Israel for treatment.

Captain Hazut had completed his officer training six months before his death and was previously a participant in the "Asher Ruach Bo" pre-military preparatory program. The IDF spokesperson authorized the release of details about the incident on the morning following the clash.