TRAGEDY IN SOUTH LEBANON: Fourth Fallen Soldier Named in Deadly Nahal Reconnaissance Clash
The IDF identifies Staff Sgt. Gilad Harel as the fourth fatality from yesterday’s fierce battle in Beit Lif, as the "Lion’s Roar" war enters its 31st day.
The IDF has cleared for publication the name of the fourth soldier killed during a heavy engagement in Southern Lebanon yesterday. Staff Sgt. Gilad Harel, 21, from Modi'in-Maccabim-Reut, fell alongside three of his comrades during a confrontation with Hezbollah terrorists.
The Fallen Heroes
The four soldiers, all from the elite Nahal Reconnaissance Unit (Sayeret Nahal), were killed during a mission in the central sector of South Lebanon. They have been identified as:
The Battle of Beit Lif
The incident occurred at approximately 6:30 PM yesterday near the village of Beit Lif, in the Nabatieh region. Operating under the 161st Division, the Nahal unit encountered a Hezbollah terror cell at close range.
A fierce exchange of fire ensued. While the IDF forces successfully neutralized the terrorists, several Israeli soldiers were hit in the opening moments of the clash.
Rescue Under Fire
The evacuation of the casualties proved extremely difficult. As rescue teams worked to extract the wounded, Hezbollah terrorists continued to fire on the position, launching an anti-tank missile at the forces. Fortunately, the missile strike resulted in no further casualties.
The evacuation lasted over an hour and was carried out under heavy protective fire from Israeli tanks, artillery, and close air support. In addition to the four fatalities, one soldier was seriously wounded, two were moderately injured, and several others sustained light injuries.