The IDF announced that Sergeant Idan Fooks, 19, from Petach Tikva, a combat soldier in Battalion 77 of the 7th Brigade, known as the “Golan Surge,” was killed during fighting in southern Lebanon.

Fooks is scheduled to be laid to rest on Monday at 4:00 p.m. in the military cemetery section in Segula, located in his hometown.

In the same incident in which he was killed, an IDF officer and three soldiers were seriously injured, while another soldier sustained moderate injuries and a sixth was lightly wounded. All six were evacuated to hospitals for treatment, and their families were informed.

During the episode, two additional explosive drones were launched toward IDF forces operating near the village of Taybeh. One of the drones was intercepted and detonated close to the troops as they were evacuating the wounded. No further injuries were reported in that part of the incident. The IDF subsequently carried out strikes on Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon.

Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a statement mourning the fallen soldier, saying: “I mourn the fall of Staff Sergeant Idan Fooks, a fighter in Battalion 77 who fell in battle in southern Lebanon, and send my deepest condolences to his family at this difficult time. Idan fought bravely alongside our other heroic soldiers, in defense of the residents of the north against a brutal terrorist organization-which will pay a heavy price for its actions.

I wish a full and speedy recovery to the soldiers wounded in this difficult incident, and I strengthen the IDF soldiers operating with strength and determination in Lebanon. The IDF will continue to act with all necessary means and backing until full security is achieved for the residents of the north. May his memory be blessed.”

Petach Tikva Mayor Rami Greenberg also paid tribute, stating: “I share in the deep sorrow of the Fooks-Ara family over the loss of their son / nephew / grandson, a hero of Israel, soldier Idan Fooks of blessed memory, who fell during the fighting in southern Lebanon. Idan was a resident of Petach Tikva, the Pisgat Hadar neighborhood, and a graduate of the Ben Gurion High School in the city. We share the family’s profound grief. May his memory be blessed.”