IDF Soldier Critical After Lebanon Building Explosion

Medical teams at Rambam Medical Center in Haifa are fighting to save the life of Dolev, a 26-year-old reservist from Karmiel who sustained critical injuries during combat operations in southern Lebanon. According to reports Monday on Channel 14, the soldier is currently hospitalized in intensive care, sedated and on a ventilator. His family, who have remained at his bedside since the incident, are asking the public to pray for the complete recovery of Dolev ben Atara.

The incident occurred during operations by Reserve Battalion 2855 of the Paratroopers Brigade in the village of Majdal Zoun in Lebanese territory, approximately six to eight kilometers from Israel's northern border. The unit entered a building as part of clearing and security operations when the structure—which had been rigged with explosives—detonated. The powerful blast caused part of the building to collapse on the soldiers inside.

Harel Birenstock HYD; Tamir Vaknin HYD (Photo: IDF Spokesperson)

The explosion killed two soldiers on the scene: Major (res.) Harel Birenstock, the company commander, and Staff Sergeant (res.) Tamir Vaknin, the combat medic. Four additional soldiers from the unit were critically wounded, including Dolev. Rescue and medical forces from Northern Command and the Air Force were immediately dispatched to the site, working under difficult field conditions and under fire to evacuate the casualties by helicopter to Israeli hospitals.

When Dolev arrived at Rambam Hospital, he was rushed into the emergency department. Doctors have maintained his condition as serious and stable but critical. News of his injury has sent shockwaves through the community of Karmiel and among those who know the soldier, who are supporting the family from afar and hoping for positive updates from the intensive care unit.

IDF forces in Southern Lebanon are deploying life-sized mannequins as military decoys to neutralize the Hezbollah drone threat, according to correspondent Itay Blumental. (Photo: IDF Spokesperson)

The deadly incident occurred against the backdrop of escalating tensions along the northern border in recent days. According to reports, the IDF sought to respond more forcefully to what was characterized as a blatant violation of ceasefire agreements. However, according to the Lebanese newspaper Nidaa al-Watan, the United States "succeeded in limiting the Israeli response and preventing the situation on the ground from harming progress at the negotiating table."

Throughout Israel and in his hometown, prayers continue for all those wounded in the incident and for the swift recovery of IDF soldiers risking their lives on the northern border. The family asks the public to continue praying for the complete healing of Dolev ben Atara.