2 Israeli soldiers killed in Lebanon

JERUSALEM, Dec. 24 (JTA) — Two Israeli soldiers were killed and two others seriously wounded Tuesday in southern Lebanon. The Islamic fundamentalist group Hezbollah claimed responsibility for the attack, a roadside explosion in the eastern sector of the security zone. The Israelis were members of the Egoz unit, which was formed 18 months ago to counter guerrilla tactics in southern Lebanon. The attack on the Egoz patrol came as the Israel Defense Force chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Amnon Lipkin-Shahak was visiting Israel’s South Lebanon Army allies in Marjayoun where he conveyed holiday greetings. Heavy exchanges of fire between IDF, SLA and Hezbollah fighters in the eastern sector were reported throughout the afternoon.