Jerusalem, Israel (April 17, 2026)

An Israeli reservist was killed and nine other soldiers were wounded, including one seriously, after an explosive device detonated during operations in southern Lebanon, the military said.

The soldier was identified as Sgt. First Class (res.) Lidor Porat HY”D, 31, of Ashdod, who served in the 769th “Hiram” Regional Brigade’s 7106th Battalion. According to an initial military assessment, the incident occurred while forces were operating in an area under Israeli control, where an engineering vehicle struck a bomb believed to have been planted in advance.

Troops positioned nearby to secure the heavy equipment were caught in the blast. In addition to the fatality, one soldier was listed in serious condition, four were moderately wounded and four sustained lighter injuries. All of the wounded were evacuated by air to hospitals, and their families have been notified.

Following the explosion, Israeli forces carried out strikes on several targets in the surrounding area, as the military responded to what it described as a hostile act in a sensitive operational zone.

The incident comes amid a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, highlighting the volatility that persists even as diplomatic efforts continue. Israeli officials have maintained that operations in certain areas will continue as part of ongoing security measures, particularly against threats such as hidden explosives and remaining militant infrastructure.

The latest casualty adds to the toll on reserve forces operating along the northern front and reflects the continuing dangers faced by troops on the ground, even during periods officially marked by reduced hostilities.

Yihi Zichro Baruch. Besuros Tovos.