The Israeli army announced on Thursday that a soldier was killed in combat in southern Lebanon, marking the fourth such death since a fragile ceasefire took effect earlier this month. Sergeant Liem Ben Hemo, 19, died in combat in the south of Lebanon, according to a military statement. Another soldier was wounded in the same incident.
Rising Casualties Since Conflict Began
This latest death brings the total number of Israeli soldiers killed since the war with Iran-backed Hezbollah began on March 2 to 17, based on an AFP tally of military figures. Additionally, one Israeli civilian working for the army has also been killed.
Ceasefire Under Strain
The ceasefire, which took effect earlier this month, has been increasingly fragile. The ongoing hostilities underscore the persistent tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border. The Israeli military continues operations in the region, as seen from northern Israel.
The conflict, which erupted in early March, has seen periodic exchanges of fire despite international efforts to broker a lasting peace. Hezbollah, a Lebanese militant group backed by Iran, has been a key adversary in the fighting.
The Israeli army has not disclosed further details about the circumstances of Sergeant Hemo's death or the specific location of the incident. The wounded soldier has been evacuated for medical treatment.
