IDF Confirms Hezbollah Planted Explosive Before Lebanon Ceasefire Killing Reservists

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) continue investigating the explosion in the village of Majdal Zun in southern Lebanon that killed two reservist soldiers last Wednesday. The victims were Lieutenant Colonel Harel Birnstok, 34, from Nokdim, and Staff Sergeant Tamir Kanin, 33, from Eilat, both serving in the 2855th Battalion of the 55th Paratroopers Brigade. The prevailing assessment is that the explosive device was an old Hezbollah mine planted before the ceasefire took effect and went undetected by Israeli forces controlling the area.

The incident demands a thorough investigation, as the building where the blast occurred had been occupied by numerous IDF units in recent weeks during Israel’s takeover of the village. Following the explosion, the IDF labeled it a blatant violation of the ceasefire by Hezbollah, although no official political statement was made at the time. Military sources emphasized that the killing of soldiers during a ceasefire by an explosive device constitutes a breach of the agreement.

Hezbollah continues to pose threats by deploying reconnaissance drones and attempting to smuggle weapons across southern Lebanon. Recently, the IDF concealed an incident involving a Hezbollah explosive drone attack on Israeli forces to avoid compromising operational security. Meanwhile, the IDF is cautious not to break the ceasefire framework amid heightened tensions with Iran.

The IDF is also concerned about Lebanese civilians returning to the village of Al-Mansouri, under Lebanese army control but monitored and targeted by Israeli fire from a distance. Nearly half of the village’s infrastructure is destroyed, and residents face significant risks. The IDF has conducted continuous strikes against Hezbollah militants in the area, reportedly eliminating seven in the past month, while warning civilians via loudspeakers about the dangers of returning.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, addressing the northern front in a weekly cabinet meeting, confirmed Israel’s recent strong operations in Lebanon, including the elimination of militants in the Ali Taher ridge area. He stressed that the IDF is conducting a critical and intelligent campaign to neutralize threats while maintaining restraint to preserve the ceasefire pilot project along the Blue Line.