A 19-year-old Israeli soldier lost his life Sunday when Hezbollah militants targeted troops with an explosive drone in southern Lebanon, according to the Israel Defense Forces.
Sgt. Idan Fooks from Petah Tikva died during military operations within what Israel considers a security zone. The attack also left six fellow soldiers injured, military officials confirmed.
Fooks was a member of the 77th Battalion within the 7th Armored Brigade and received a posthumous promotion from corporal to sergeant. Among the wounded were one officer and three soldiers listed in serious condition, with another soldier in moderate condition and one with minor injuries.
Military investigators report that Fooks’ unit was attempting to repair a disabled tank near the village of Taybeh when the explosive-laden drone detonated nearby. During the medical evacuation by Israeli Air Force helicopter, Hezbollah deployed two more drones – one was shot down while the second crashed without causing additional harm.
The militant group took credit for the assault, stating it was retaliation for what they described as Israeli ceasefire violations. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded by charging Hezbollah with “dismantling the ceasefire” and vowed that Israel would maintain its commitments to agreements made with the United States and Lebanon. Netanyahu declared that Israel would counter attacks, prevent immediate dangers, and address developing threats.
This violence occurred amid a tenuous Israel-Lebanon truce that began April 17 and received a three-week extension from President Donald Trump last week. Israel maintains it has authority under this agreement to respond to planned, imminent, or active threats.
Following the drone attack, Israeli forces conducted air raids and artillery bombardments targeting Hezbollah personnel and facilities throughout southern Lebanon, hitting rocket teams, an arms storage site, and structures operated by the organization. Fooks’ burial service is scheduled for Monday in Petah Tikva.
