Assessment strengthens: explosive that killed reserve soldiers was planted before ceasefire

The IDF's assessment is strengthening that the explosive that detonated in the village of Majdal Zoun in southern Lebanon, killing Maj. Harel Birnstock and Master Sgt. Tamir Vaknin, was planted before the ceasefire took effect and was not detected by the forces. The military fears the return of residents to villages under the control of the Lebanese army and continues strikes against Hezbollah.

The IDF's assessment is strengthening that the explosive that detonated in the village of Majdal Zoun in southern Lebanon, killing Maj. Harel Birnstock (34) from Nokdim and Master Sgt. Tamir Vaknin (33) from Eilat, was planted before the ceasefire took effect and was not detected by the forces in the area. The two belonged to Battalion 2855 of the 55th Paratroopers Brigade. Immediately after the incident, the question arose as to why the IDF determined that this was a blatant violation of the ceasefire by Hezbollah. IDF sources explained that the very fact that soldiers were killed during a ceasefire by an explosive device constitutes a violation of the agreement. The military fears the return of residents to the village of al-Mansouri, which is under the control of the Lebanese army, and nearly half of the village's infrastructure is destroyed. The IDF is conducting continuous strikes in the village against Hezbollah operatives, and according to IDF sources, only in the last month seven operatives were eliminated in the village. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a cabinet meeting that Israel acted forcefully in Lebanon and eliminated operatives, including in the Ali Taher ridge.