IDF Reservist Barak Kalfon Killed in Southern Lebanon; Name Cleared for Publication

This evening (after Shabbat), the name of the fallen IDF soldier was cleared for publication, and his family has been notified.

Name of the fallen: MSgt. (res.) Barak Kalfon, 48, from Adi, a soldier in Battalion 7056, 226th Brigade. Kalfon, HY"D, succumbed to his wounds after being injured last night in combat in southern Lebanon.

This brings the number of IDF soldiers killed since the current maneuver in Lebanon began to 14. Since the outbreak of the "Swords of Iron" war, 939 IDF soldiers have fallen. HY"D.

An initial review of the incident in southern Lebanon indicates that during an operational mission by reserve soldiers from Battalion 7056, operating under the 226th Brigade in the western sector of southern Lebanon, the force conducted searches in a building in the village of Jabin.

The purpose of the search was to locate weapons and clear the structure. During the operation, terrorists detonated an explosive device inside the booby-trapped building. As a result of the explosion, Kalfon was killed and three additional soldiers were wounded—two moderately and one lightly. The soldiers received initial treatment in the field and were airlifted by helicopter to the hospital for further care, and their families were notified.

Upon learning of MSgt. Kalfon's death, Rafael, the company where he worked, issued a statement: "The Rafael family bows its head in deep sorrow over the fall of MSgt. (res.) Barak Kalfon, a Rafael employee and a paratrooper who fell in battle in southern Lebanon. Barak was a dedicated and professional employee who worked in fields vital to the security of the State of Israel, which he so loved. The employees of Rafael embrace Shamrit, Noga, Maya, and the entire family in these difficult moments. May his memory be a blessing."

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement: "In the name of all citizens of Israel, my wife and I send our heartfelt condolences to the family of MSgt. (res.) Barak Kalfon, of blessed memory, who fought bravely and fell in southern Lebanon. We embrace Barak's family and loved ones in their difficult hour and wish a speedy recovery to our wounded soldiers. Our forces will continue to operate in the security zone in order to thwart threats directed at them and at our communities, in accordance with the cease-fire agreement. May his memory be blessed and guarded forever"