The IDF announced Monday that Sergeant First Class (Res.) Eviatar Ben Yehuda, 31, from Nitzan near the Gaza border, was killed when an explosive device detonated during a military operation in the Palestinian village of Tammun, south of Jenin, in the northern West Bank. Ben Yehuda’s family has been notified.
The explosion occurred as a device detonated under a military vehicle, injuring four others, including the battalion commander, who sustained serious injuries. The IDF said it is investigating the incident, with details remaining classified.
Ben Yehuda, described by the military as a skilled and dedicated reservist, had been serving since the October 7 Hamas attacks.
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The IDF has been conducting operations in and around Tammun, where armed terrorists were identified. The military believes the area is being used for smuggling weapons and explosives across the Jordanian border.
Scene of the deadly explosion in Tammun
Security officials warned they would take decisive measures against any Palestinian prisoners released as part of the cease-fire and hostage deal who attempt to resume terrorist activities or rebuild terrorist infrastructure in the West Bank.
“We will detect any such efforts and use firepower against anyone suspected of terrorist activity,” officials said. “Our operations will continue by air and land.”