Idan Fooks (19) Dies After Hezbollah Launches Explosive Drone at Troops

The IDF has cleared for publication the identity of another fallen soldier in the ongoing campaign in the north: Sergeant Idan Fooks, a resident of Petah Tikva.

Times of Israel reported:

Idan Fooks, 19, of the 7th Armored Brigade’s 77th Battalion, is the third soldier to be killed in southern Lebanon despite the ongoing ceasefire.

Following are details of the incident in which Sergeant Idan Fooks z"l fell this morning in southern Lebanon, an incident in which Hezbollah once again violated the ceasefire:

1. During the morning hours, a tank from an armored company operating under the Golani Brigade's 12th Battalion became stuck in the village of at-Teybe in Lebanon, a village located in the second line of villages, approximately 4 km from Metula and Misgav Am.
2. After the tank became stuck, the armored force "threw a track" and was required to repair the tank in the field.
3. Around 9:30 AM, an explosive drone launched by Hezbollah terrorists landed near the stuck Golani tank within the village area.
4. As a result of the explosive drone's detonation, Idan z"l was killed, and six other soldiers were wounded: 4 in serious condition, 1 in moderate condition, and 1 light.
5. An Air Force helicopter was scrambled to evacuate the casualties from the incident to a hospital in Israel.
6. The helicopter landed inside Lebanese territory. During the evacuation operations, Hezbollah launched two additional explosive drones at the rescue forces.The forces managed to intercept one of the drones, while the second drone fell extremely close to the Air Force evacuation helicopter, just a few meters away, while casualties were being loaded. There were no further injuries during the rescue operation, and the helicopter was not damaged by the drone's explosion.

A Community in Mourning

Idan lived in the Pisgat Hadar neighborhood and was a graduate of the Ben-Gurion High School in Petah Tikva. Following the news of his death, local officials and residents expressed profound grief over the loss of a young man described by peers as a dedicated friend and soldier.

Tribute from the Mayor

Petah Tikva Mayor Rami Greenberg issued a heartfelt statement of condolence to the Fox-Ara family:

Ongoing Support and Final Arrangements

The Petah Tikva municipality has deployed professional teams to assist the family and coordinate the funeral arrangements. As of Sunday evening, the exact time and location for the funeral service have not yet been announced to the public.