Cleared for Publication: Master Sergeant (Res.) Barak Kalfon Fell in Combat in Southern Lebanon
Master Sergeant (Res.) Barak Kalfon of Adi was killed during operational activity in Southern Lebanon. Kalfon, a father of two and a volunteer reservist in the Paratroopers, fell while defending the northern border.
The IDF has cleared for publication that Master Sergeant (Res.) Barak Kalfon (48), a resident of the community of Adi, has fallen in battle during operational activity in Southern Lebanon.
New details have emerged regarding the tragic incident that claimed the life of MSGT (Res.) Barak Kalfon.
The blast occurred during a routine building clearance in the village of Jibbain, a known Hezbollah stronghold located roughly 3 kilometers from the Israeli border. As the unit from the 7056th Battalion entered the structure, a pre-planted explosive device was triggered.
Ceasefire Implications
Crucially, military investigators believe the explosive was "legacy" ordnance, meaning it was rigged before the current cessation of hostilities began. Because it is not believed to have been a remote-detonated ambush by active Hezbollah cells, the IDF is not currently classifying this as a violation of the ceasefire agreement.
However, the military is facing tough questions regarding the failure to detect the booby-trap and the specific mechanism that caused it to detonate as the soldiers entered.
Battle for Life
While three other soldiers sustained non-life-threatening injuries, Kalfon’s injuries were catastrophic. Despite an emergency airlift and a day-long battle by medical teams to save him, he passed away earlier today, April 18.
A Life of Service
Kalfon was born and raised in Kiryat Bialik and moved to the village of Adi in the Emek Yezreel Regional Council eleven years ago. An employee of the defense technology company Rafael, Kalfon was a dedicated reservist in the Paratroopers Brigade who volunteered for service following the outbreak of hostilities.
He is survived by his wife, Shimrit, and their two daughters, Noga and Maya.
Community in Mourning
The Emek Yezreel Regional Council issued a statement expressing profound grief over the loss:
"Barak contributed to the security of the state throughout his life, protected the State of Israel and all of us, and fell in battle. At this difficult hour, the entire Emek Yezreel community hugs and strengthens the dear Kalfon family and the community of Adi."
Shlomit Shichor Reichman, Head of the Regional Council, paid tribute to the fallen soldier:
"The heart breaks with the fall of Barak, a son of our Valley. Especially in these days, as we approach Memorial Day (Yom HaZikaron), this pain takes on an even more chilling significance. Barak chose to serve and contribute to the country out of a sense of mission and love for the land."
The date and time of the funeral service will be announced at a later time.
JFeed extends its deepest condolences to the Kalfon family and the community of Adi.