IDF Investigates Booby-Trapped Building Where Two Soldiers Fell in Lebanon Before Ceasefire

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) assess that the building in the village of Majdal Zun, where Reserve Major Harel Birnstok and Reserve Lieutenant Colonel Tamir Kanin were killed, was booby-trapped prior to the ceasefire in Lebanon. The military continues to investigate the incident and the reasons for the soldiers entering the structure before it was cleared.

The IDF had planned intense strikes in southern Lebanon last night, but these were canceled due to pressure from the United States. A security source stated that the Americans conveyed to Israel that Hezbollah had not violated the ceasefire and urged restraint to maintain the current agreement and ongoing negotiations between Israel and Lebanon in Rome.

The Israeli Security Cabinet is convening this evening amid heightened tensions, with some ministers demanding a stronger response in Lebanon. The recent talks in Rome concluded without agreement on expanding Israeli withdrawal zones, as Israel conditioned any expansion on progress in field implementation. Parameters for a pilot program were set, but the supervising and enforcement body remains undecided. The next round of negotiations is expected next month.

In related news, Reserve Lieutenant Colonel Tamir Kanin’s brother described him as a hero with a big heart, and Major Harel Birnstok was laid to rest amid deep mourning.