IDF Investigates Deadly Blast That Killed Paratroopers in Southern Lebanon

The Israel Defense Forces continue investigating the fatal explosion that killed two reservist paratroopers from Brigade 55 near the village of Majdal Zun in southern Lebanon, close to the Israeli border. The victims were Staff Sergeant (res.) Harel Birnstok and Sergeant (res.) Tamir Kanin from Battalion 2855. Four other soldiers were seriously injured in the blast.

Initial findings reveal the explosion was unusually powerful compared to a typical improvised explosive device. The Air Force examined the incident and found that a bomb had been dropped on a building over 100 meters away from the blast site several months earlier. However, experts ruled out the possibility that the building collapse and explosion were caused by a bomb falling from the air.

Brigadier General Yuval Gaz, commander of the Galilee Division, led a thorough inquiry into the clearance of explosives from the building. Preliminary results indicate that the troops entered the building after it was scanned, exited, continued their mission, and were hit by a powerful device when passing near the structure again. The IDF suspects the device was an old explosive.

Northern Command officials confirmed Hezbollah's active presence in the area and its attempts to challenge the IDF. It is possible Hezbollah operatives tampered with the explosive to target Israeli forces. The investigation remains ongoing under Northern Command Chief Major General Rafi Milo to further analyze evidence collected on site.