From the fire to the killing: The chain of events raising questions in the north

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

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

Briefly: Large forces, helicopters and drones were scrambled amid fears of additional terrorists. For hours, residents in the north stayed indoors out of concern that the incident on the Lebanon border was continuing. The terrorist, who was carrying a pistol and a knife, was killed near Margaliot after opening fire on an IDF force. Among residents, criticism of the government’s policy on the northern border is growing.

A rare 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 on an IDF force. New details are now emerging, raising difficult questions in the security establishment and among northern residents about the government’s response.

How the terrorist infiltration on the Lebanon border developed

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 dressed in uniform, and alerted a combat force to the location. Initial confusion developed in the field, in part because foreign workers were also present in nearby orchards.

About an hour and a half later, the terrorist fired at an IDF force. The fighters returned fire toward the source of the shooting. The terrorist was located inside an IDF observation post, בתוך Israeli territory and about 1.2 kilometers from Margaliot. On his body, a pistol, a long knife, camouflage uniform and Crocs shoes were found.

Following the incident, the “Night Knight B” procedure was declared, and the entire area was placed under lockdown. Large forces, helicopters, drones and Air Force aircraft began searches amid fears 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 pistol and knife, and wore camouflage uniform identified with Hezbollah, but at this stage his organizational affiliation has not yet been determined.

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

As a result of the incident, residents of Margaliot, Manara and Misgav Am were instructed to stay inside 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 Brigade 769 commander Col. Yuval Mazoz arrived at the scene shortly after the incident began and conducted an initial field debriefing. Later, the incident was also reviewed by Northern Command chief Maj. Gen. Rafi Milo, and the IDF said that the Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, would hold an additional review.

Among residents of the north, concern is growing tonight 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, head of the Margaliot moshav, said after the incident: “The IDF identified him when he was already inside the country.” Davidi continued and criticized the restrictions placed on the army: “The IDF is in Lebanon, but the government of Israel 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 normal lives within a short time, if that can be called normal,” he said.

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

Security officials and the political leadership are also expected to address the question of how to respond to the incident. Israel has previously made clear that it will not ignore fire directed at northern communities, and the question now is whether the armed infiltration and attempted attack inside Israel will lead to a significant response in Lebanon.