It has been cleared for publication that an IDF soldier was killed and another was seriously wounded Thursday morning when a missile struck an IDF Merkava-3 tank in the el-Khiam area in south Lebanon.
The tank crewmembers belong to the reservist 434 Brigade, which entered Lebanon a few days ago. IDF sources said they estimate the missile that hit the tank was an advanced anti-tank missile.
Earlier Defense Minister Amir Peretz madeit clear that diplomatic efforts to end the fighting in Lebanon will have to be exhausted before he gives the go-ahead to expanded military operations.
"We must be able to look at every mother, father, and child, and say that we tried every other move," Peretz said during a briefing that also included Chief of Staff Dan Halutz and Northern Command Chief Udi Adam. Peretz was standing between the two military officials, who did not exchange any words.
On Wednesday 15 reserve soldiers were killed and34 others were injured in four different incidents across south Lebanon.
The tragic day began at 8 a.m., when a reservist was killed by friendly fire in the eastern sector. Three hours later, an antitank missile was fired at an IDF tank, killing the four crewmen inside. The most difficult incident took place at about noon, when a missile that was fired at a building soldiers were staying in caused the building to collapse, claiming the lives of nine reservists.