IDF mourns Sgt. Liran Ben Zion, 19, killed by anti-tank fire in southern Lebanon

The IDF said today (Monday) that Sgt. Liran Ben Zion, 19, from Holon, a tank soldier in Battalion 9 of the 401st Iron Trails Brigade, was killed in action in southern Lebanon by an anti-tank missile. In the same incident, an armored corps officer was seriously wounded and evacuated to a hospital for treatment. His family has been notified.

According to the details of the incident, during the night an anti-tank missile was fired at a tank from Battalion 9's battlegroup operating in the southern Lebanon area. As a result of the hit, Sgt. Ben Zion, HY"D, was killed, and another combat officer was seriously wounded. Shortly afterward, two additional anti-tank missiles were fired toward the same area, but there were no further casualties.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: "Together with all the citizens of Israel, my wife and I extend our deepest condolences to the family of the armored corps soldier, Sgt. Liran Ben Zion, z"l, who fell in battle in southern Lebanon. Liran, z"l, fought bravely on the front line to defend our communities and citizens from the terrorist organization Hezbollah. We embrace Liran's family and share in their grief over this heavy loss. May his memory be blessed and safeguarded forever."

Defense Minister Israel Katz: "I wish to express condolences to the family of Sgt. Liran Ben Zion, z"l, a tank soldier in the 401st Brigade, who fell in a heroic battle in southern Lebanon. Liran, 19 at the time of his death, fought alongside his friends with dedication for the security of the State of Israel and the protection of the residents of the north".

Katz added: "I send wishes for a speedy recovery to the officer who was injured in the incident, and to all IDF wounded, and I strengthen and back our brave fighters who continue to act with determination in all arenas. The State of Israel will continue to pursue its enemies and strike them forcefully wherever they seek to harm us".

The IDF noted that forces in the field continue to operate to locate and eliminate the terrorist cell that carried out the shooting. At the same time, offensive activity in southern Lebanon continues, including eliminating terrorists and striking dozens of terror infrastructure sites.

The incident joins a series of severe incidents that occurred in the sector over the past 24 hours. Earlier, the IDF Spokesperson reported that yesterday afternoon two IDF soldiers were seriously wounded as a result of anti-tank fire directed at forces operating in southern Lebanon.

In a separate incident, an IDF soldier was seriously wounded and two additional soldiers were moderately wounded after an unmanned aerial vehicle fell near an IDF force in the area. In addition, another soldier was moderately wounded in an operational accident.