IDF Announces Sgt. Idan Fooks, 19, Killed In Combat In Southern Lebanon

An Israeli soldier was killed Sunday in southern Lebanon during an attack involving explosive and suicide mini-drones, marking the first direct attack since the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire began earlier this month.

Sgt. Idan Fooks, 19, of Petah Tikva, was a combat soldier in Battalion 77 of the ‘Golan Storm’ Formation (7). He is reported to be the first IDF soldier killed as a result of an explosive drone strike.

In the same incident, one combat officer and three soldiers were seriously wounded. Two additional soldiers sustained moderate and light injuries. All wounded personnel were evacuated to a hospital for medical treatment, and their families have been notified.

Escalation and Drone Interceptions

The incident follows orders from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday night for “forceful” attacks against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon.

Overnight into Sunday, Hezbollah launched two explosive drones toward forces operating in southern Lebanon, though no casualties were reported from that specific engagement.

Further activity on Sunday included the interception of one UAV identified in an area where forces were operating in southern Lebanon, as well as the interception of three other UAVs before they could cross into Israeli territory.