Israeli Defense Minister Questions Troop Entry Into Booby-Trapped Building After Fatal Lebanon Incident

On Thursday morning, a deadly explosion occurred in a building in southern Lebanon, killing two Israeli reservists, Major Harel Birnstok and Captain Tamir Vaknin, and seriously injuring four others. The incident happened during a search operation by the IDF's 55th Reserve Brigade for new sites in the area. The troops entered a booby-trapped building, triggering an explosive device that caused part of the structure to collapse.

Following the incident, Defense Minister Israel Katz demanded to know why the soldiers entered the building, emphasizing his policy of destroying terrorist structures without entering them. The Northern Command is investigating whether proper procedures were followed, including clearing the building of militants and explosives using a canine unit, ground robot, drone, explosive charges, or tank fire before entry.

The IDF fears Hezbollah may be setting additional traps in southern Lebanon villages under Israeli operational control to disrupt ongoing negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, which contradict Hezbollah and Iran's strategic interests. After the explosion, the Israeli Air Force, guided by the Northern Command and the 91st Brigade's artillery unit, struck targets in the area.

Defense Minister Katz expressed condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers, praising their dedication and service in the reserves. He also wished a speedy recovery to the four wounded soldiers.

The investigation continues to clarify the circumstances of the entry and adherence to established protocols designed to prevent such casualties during counter-guerrilla operations.