IDF Soldier Killed in Lebanon is First to Die There This Year

The first Israeli soldier to die in Lebanon this year was killed Tuesday morning in a clash with armed terrorists north of the southern Lebanon security zone.

Lt. Yaron Yogev, 22, commander of a paratroopers unit, was fatally wounded leading an assault on the terrorists’ positions. At least four terrorists were killed.

Yogev was buried Tuesday afternoon in Moshav Kidron, his home village near Rehovot.

His unit was conducting a search-and-destroy operation north of the security zone when it encountered an armed band estimated to number at least 14. The clash occurred in difficult terrain near Ein Anta village, an army spokesman said.

The Israeli paratroopers opened fire at a range of more than 50 yards. Two terrorists were killed in the first burst of automatic fire.

The terrorists responded with automatic fire. The Israelis charged, killing two more, but Lt. Yogev was fatally wounded.

The terrorists fled northward, taking their wounded with them. They left four men dead and possibly suffered a fifth fatality.

Reports from Lebanon identified them as members of the Palestine Popular Struggle Front, which is believed responsible for several attacks against Israel this year.

Defense Minister Moshe Arens visited Yogev’s unit at its base later to commend the soldiers for their action and express regret for the death of their leader.

He said the purpose of these missions is to track down and destroy terrorists preparing to attack the Israel Defense Force or its allied South Lebanon Army in the security zone and across the Israeli border.

He said that as a result of these missions, no Israeli civilian has been killed by terrorist activity from Lebanon for well over a year. He promised the operations would continue.