IDF Confirms Hezbollah Drone Attack Killed Israeli Tank Battalion Commander in South Lebanon

An IDF investigation released on Sunday confirmed that a Hezbollah explosive drone caused the deadly tank blast that killed Lieutenant Colonel Dor Ben Shimon, commander of the 52nd Armored Battalion, and three of his soldiers last Friday near the Ali Taher ridge in southern Lebanon. The probe, conducted by the 36th Division and the Armored Corps, found that the drone, armed with an anti-tank weapon likely an RPG, struck the rear left fuel tank of a Merkava Mark 4 tank. The hit triggered a massive explosion, allowing the ammunition inside the fuel tank to detonate within the crew compartment, killing all four soldiers inside.

The fallen soldiers included Lt. Col. Dor Ben Shimon, tank commander Sergeant Noa Havshush, loader Sergeant Yoav Klein, and driver Sergeant Liav Kabbaya. The Armored Corps continues to investigate the incident, including the performance of the tank’s active protection system, "Trophy," to improve defenses against aerial threats. The IDF confirmed the findings to Kan News and stated that the families have been informed and are being supported during this difficult time.