An initial IDF probe into a deadly Hezbollah attack in southern Lebanon has found that the tank in which a battalion commander and three soldiers were killed was struck by an explosive-laden drone armed with an anti-tank warhead, rather than by an anti-tank guided missile.
The June 19 attack killed Lt. Col. Dor Gedalia Ben Simhon, 32, commander of the 52nd Battalion in the 401st Armored Brigade, along with Staff Sgt. Nave Habshoosh, Staff Sgt. Yoav Klein and Staff Sgt. Liav Kababia.
Dor Gedalia Ben Simhon, Yoav Klein, Nave Habshoosh, Liav Kababia
(Photo: IDF)
The IDF said Sunday evening that the findings had been given to the families of the fallen soldiers. “The information was provided to the families. The IDF shares in the families’ grief and will continue to accompany them,” the military said.
When the incident first occurred in the village of Tebnine in southern Lebanon, the IDF said a “suspicious target” had struck the tank operated by troops of the 52nd Armored Battalion, who were fighting under the command of the Givati Brigade combat team. At the time, the military said it could not determine conclusively that the tank had been hit by an explosive drone.
Following the updated findings, the IDF said the incident remains under investigation.
Ben Simhon had taken command of the 52nd Battalion only two months before he was killed, replacing a lieutenant colonel who had been seriously wounded in battle in southern Lebanon. He grew up in the Armored Corps’ 401st Brigade and held most of his major command positions there throughout his service. The IDF said he commanded soldiers and officers in a series of operational roles and was known for his professionalism and leadership.
Habshoosh was born and raised in Geva Binyamin, also known as Adam. After high school, he studied at the Beit Yatir pre-military academy before enlisting in the Armored Corps. He served as the tank commander for the commander of the 52nd Battalion after recently completing a tank commanders’ course, and had planned to attend officers’ course.
Klein, from Herzliya, graduated from Hayovel High School. Before enlisting in the IDF, he was a talented basketball player. Friends described him as “the salt of the earth” and “a child of giving.”
Kababia, a graduate of the film track at Mossinzon High School in Hod Hasharon, had several great loves in his life: his family, his friends, soccer and photography.