An Israel Defence Forces soldier was killed overnight on Friday and another was injured in a so-called “friendly fire” incident in southeastern Lebanon, the Israeli military has said.
The soldier killed was named as Sergeant Major Guy Ludar, 21, a member of the Maglan reconnaissance unit of the IDF Commando Brigade, from Yuvalim in the Lower Galilee.
Another commando from the Maglan unit was critically wounded, the IDF said. Their families were notified.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz have both expressed their condolences over Ludar’s death.
“Our hearts are with the family of Maglan fighter, Staff Sgt. Guy Ludar, of blessed memory, who fell in the tragic incident in southern Lebanon,” Netanyahu said in a statement.
“My wife and I send our deepest condolences to Guy’s family and loved ones. He fought with courage and heroism to defend our communities and citizens.”
Katz said he received the news of Ludar’s death “with great sorrow,” sending condolences “from the depths of my heart” to the soldier’s family. He went on to praise Israeli troops operating in Lebanon against “a cruel terrorist organisation” to ensure “the security of the residents and communities of the north.”
It is understood that Ludar was killed by “friendly” fire during a night-time operation to capture a suspect believed to be aiding Hezbollah in the village of Shebaa, north of Mount Hermon.
According to an initial IDF investigation, during the operation, one soldier thought he identified suspects attempting to flee and opened fire. The gunfire killed Ludar and seriously wounded the other soldier.
The suspect was taken to Israel for interrogation.
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