Horror in Syria
Battalion Rabbi Seriously Injured in Deadly Syrian Mine Explosion
An Israeli reserve officer serving as a battalion rabbi was severely injured in an explosion at an IDF outpost in southern Syria and evacuated to Haifa, prompting an investigation into whether the blast was caused by an old mine or a deliberate attack by a Shi’a-aligned group that claimed responsibility.
An Israeli reserve officer serving as a battalion rabbi was severely injured in an explosion at an Israeli outpost in the buffer zone of southern Syria on Monday. The officer, whose injury was confirmed by the IDF, was immediately evacuated by helicopter to Rambam Health Care Campus in Haifa for urgent medical treatment. His family has been notified.
The injured reservist, a Chabad emissary who typically works on a Jerusalem campus, has been a dedicated soldier, serving numerous reserve rotations since the outbreak of the war, including time fighting in Gaza. Reports indicate that the officer was preparing the outpost for Yom Kippur and was scheduled to finish his reserve duty on Tuesday and return home. Initial speculation suggests he may have inadvertently activated an old Syrian land mine after jumping from a tank parked near the outpost.
The IDF has launched an investigation into the incident. While a land mine is the leading suspicion, military sources confirmed that "other options are being investigated as well."
Adding complexity to the situation, a group known as al-Muqawama al-Watania (the National Resistance), which aligns itself with the Shi’a axis, claimed responsibility for the blast. The group asserted that it had successfully planted a mine at the entrance to an IDF outpost in Syria, which subsequently detonated and wounded the rabbi.
The incident occurs amidst reports of increased Israeli activity in the region. Earlier this month and again on Sunday morning, Syrian media reported that IDF troops had raided several villages in Syria's Daraa province, near the border. Local media outlets claimed that up to 18 military vehicles entered the villages of Sisyon and Jamla to conduct searches for weapons. Israel has not publicly commented on these claims.
The severely injured reserve officer has been identified by his Hebrew name. The public is asked to pray for a complete recovery for Liraz Tzvi Halevi ben Sora Yehudis among all those who are ill.