Another soldier was also killed in the same incident, his name has not yet been cleared for publication.
By The IDF Club
Two IDF soldiers were killed during combat operations in southern Lebanon, the military announced Sunday, as Israeli forces continue fighting Hezbollah along the northern front.
The IDF cleared for publication the name of one of the fallen soldiers: Sgt. First Class Maher Khatar, 38, from Majdal Shams, a heavy engineering equipment operator in the 91st Division of the Combat Engineering Corps.
According to the military, another soldier was also killed in the same incident. His name has not yet been cleared for publication and will be released later after his family has been notified.
An additional combat officer was lightly wounded during the incident and evacuated to a hospital for medical treatment. His family has been informed.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement expressing condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers.
“My wife and I, together with all the citizens of Israel, share in the deep sorrow and extend our condolences to the families of the two Combat Engineering soldiers, Sgt. First Class Maher Khatar and another soldier whose name has not yet been cleared for publication, who fell in battle in southern Lebanon,” Netanyahu said.
Netanyahu described Khatar as a courageous fighter and noted his role as a member of Israel’s Druze community.
“Maher, of blessed memory, a brave fighter from the Druze community, served as an example and inspiration to young people from Majdal Shams who enlist in the IDF,” Netanyahu said.
He added that the two soldiers fought to defend Israeli communities from Hezbollah.
“Maher of blessed memory and the other soldier fought with bravery to protect our communities and citizens from the Hezbollah terrorist organization,” Netanyahu said. “We bow our heads in mourning and remain committed to defending our northern border against any threat.”
