Four IDF soldiers were killed during combat operations in southern Lebanon early Friday morning when a strike hit a tank operating near the village of Kfar Tebnit. The military cleared for publication the name of one of the fallen: LTC Dor Gedalia Ben Simhon, 32, of Beit HaShita, commander of the 52nd Battalion of the 401st Brigade.

The names of the three additional soldiers killed in the incident have not yet been released. Their families have been informed, and their identities will be published once military authorization is granted.

According to a preliminary IDF investigation, the deadly incident occurred at approximately 12:20 a.m. while a tank from the 52nd Battalion was operating under the Givati Brigade Combat Team in Kfar Tebnit. Military officials believe the vehicle was struck by either an explosive drone or an anti-tank missile, killing all four soldiers inside.

Several hours later, at around 4:00 a.m., a separate attack took place in the Beaufort region near Tebnit. An explosive-laden drone struck troops from the Commando Brigade, wounding five soldiers. One of the injured troops was listed in serious condition.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed sorrow over the losses, stating: “This is a very difficult and painful morning. With profound grief, we learned of the terrible news that four of our nation’s sons fell in battle in Lebanon, including LTC Dor Gedalia Ben Simhon, the Commander of the 52nd Battalion, 401st Brigade.”

He continued, “About two months ago, after the Battalion Commander, LTC Y., was severely wounded in combat, Dor took command upon himself, and from that point led his soldiers at the front with determination and responsibility.

“LTC Dor Gedalia Ben Simhon and the additional three fallen soldiers, whose names have not yet been cleared for publication, join a long and unbearably painful list of the daughters and sons who have fallen in defense of our homeland and people. Each one was an entire world, with dreams, hopes, and aspirations cut down in their prime.

“Together with the whole of the people of Israel, we embrace their beloved and precious families and send them our heartfelt condolences at this difficult moment. We pray for the recovery of the wounded and for the well-being of all IDF soldiers and security forces. May the memory of our heroes be blessed,” Herzog concluded.

Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu also conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and offered prayers for the recovery of those wounded in the fighting.

Addressing Israel’s military response, Netanyahu said that “following the heinous attack by Hezbollah, which is a flagrant violation of the ceasefire, I instructed the IDF last night to strike Hezbollah with force. The IDF struck over 80 terror targets and eliminated dozens of terrorists. Subsequently, the IDF struck Hezbollah command posts in the Beqaa Valley this morning.”

He further stated: “This morning, I held a situation assessment with the Minister of Defense and the Chief of General Staff. My directive is clear: Israel will not tolerate attacks on our soldiers or our territory, and it will exact a very heavy price from Hezbollah for these attacks. The IDF will act to thwart any threat to our forces and our territory.”

LTC Ben Simhon assumed command of Battalion 52 on April 20, 2026, shortly after the unit’s previous commander was seriously wounded in battle. Taking over during an intense period of operations, he led the battalion through two months of combat activity on the northern front.

A career officer in the Armored Corps, Ben Simhon spent much of his military service in the 401st Brigade, advancing through a variety of command positions. Widely regarded for his leadership and operational abilities, he later served as chief of staff to the commander of the Northern Command during Operation “Northern Arrows,” remaining in that role until residents of the north were able to return home. After completing the position in August, he attended the Command and Staff Course before returning to frontline service this spring as commander of Battalion 52.

Ben Simhon is survived by his wife and two daughters. He came from a family deeply rooted in military service: he and four of his brothers served in the 401st Brigade, while another brother enlisted in the Golani Brigade. His wife serves as a combat officer in the Combat Intelligence Collection Corps and Border Defense Corps.