From the fire to the killing: How the northern border incident unfolded, and why it raises questions

The terrorist was found inside Israeli territory after hours of searches during which residents remained in their homes. Security officials are investigating how he managed to reach an IDF position inside Israel.

Guy Veron and Nitzan Shapira Published: 09.06.26, 21:11 | Updated: 10.06.26, 00:12

In brief: Large forces, helicopters and drones were dispatched over fears of additional terrorists. For hours, residents in the north stayed indoors amid concern about a continuing incident on the Lebanon border. The terrorist, who was carrying a handgun and a knife, was killed near Margaliot after opening fire at an IDF force. Among residents, criticism of the government’s policy on the northern border is growing. Security officials are investigating how the terrorist managed to reach an IDF position inside Israel.

An unusual incident occurred yesterday, Tuesday, in the Ramim Ridge sector, about one kilometer from the community of Margaliot. A terrorist who infiltrated from Lebanon into Israeli territory was killed near Margaliot after opening fire at an IDF force. New details are now emerging, raising difficult questions in the security establishment and among northern residents about the government’s response.

Eitan Davidi, chairman of Moshav Margaliot | Photo: The Day News, Keshet 12

How the terrorist infiltration developed on the Lebanon border

At around 1:30 p.m., a report was received of a fire in the Ramim Ridge area near the Lebanon border. A soldier involved in logistical transport who arrived at the area identified a suspicious figure wearing uniform, and alerted a combat force to the spot. Initial confusion developed on the ground, partly because foreign workers were also present in nearby orchards. About an hour and a half later, the terrorist fired at an IDF force. The soldiers returned fire toward the source of the shooting. The terrorist was found inside an IDF observation post, on Israeli territory and about 1.2 kilometers from Margaliot. On his body were found a handgun, a long knife, camouflage fatigues and Crocs shoes. Following the incident, the “Night Knight B” procedure was declared, and the entire area was closed off. Large forces, helicopters, drones and Israeli Air Force aircraft began searches for fear of additional terrorists. The searches in the area continued for about three hours, until the IDF ruled out the possibility of another infiltration.

The concern in the north after the terrorist infiltration

The IDF is now investigating how the terrorist managed to approach the border fence and even cross it in an area under continuous security presence and monitoring, while IDF forces continue operating in southern Lebanon. According to security officials, the terrorist was armed with a handgun and a knife, and wore camouflage fatigues associated with Hezbollah, but at this stage his organizational affiliation has not yet been determined.

“We are second-class in the State of Israel. But there’s nothing to do, all my children left Kiryat Shmona, I am the only one left here,” Esther, a resident of Kiryat Shmona, said after the security incident on the northern border.

Following the incident, residents of Margaliot, Manara and Misgav Am were instructed to remain in their homes and avoid movement in the area. At the same time, Route 886 along Ramim Ridge was closed to traffic. Division 91 Commander Brig. Gen. Yuval Gaz and 769th Brigade Commander Col. Yuval Mazuz arrived at the scene shortly after the incident began and conducted an initial field debrief. Later, the incident was also debriefed by Northern Command Commander Maj. Gen. Rafi Milo, and the IDF said that Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir would conduct an additional debrief.

Among northern residents, concern is growing this evening over the fact that even after many months of fighting in the sector, an armed terrorist managed to reach the fence and infiltrate Israeli territory. Eitan Davidi, chairman of Moshav Margaliot, said after the incident, “The IDF identified him when he was already inside the country.” Davidi continued and criticized the restrictions placed on the military: “The IDF is in Lebanon, but the Israeli government is tying its hands and feet and not letting it do the job it should have done.” “We hope the residents will return to their routine within a short period, if you can call it routine.”

Esther, a resident of the north, said, “There is no ceasefire in the north.” “We are second-class in the State of Israel. But there’s nothing to do, all my children left Kiryat Shmona, I am the only one left here,” Esther added.

Security officials and the political echelon are also expected to deal with the question of how to respond to the incident. Israel has previously made clear that it will not ignore fire toward communities in the north, and now the question is whether an armed infiltration and attempted attack on Israeli territory will lead to a significant response in Lebanon.