Overview

• Ze'ev Erlich, a 71-year-old archaeologist and former IDF reservist, was killed in a Hezbollah ambush in southern Lebanon while accompanying Israeli troops to an ancient fortress.
• The incident also resulted in the death of Sergeant Gur Kehati, 20, and injuries to two other soldiers, including a senior officer who facilitated Erlich's unauthorized entry into the area.
• Preliminary investigations reveal that Erlich entered the combat zone without approval from Northern Command, raising questions about breaches in military protocol.
• The IDF has launched an inquiry into the circumstances of the incident, focusing on operational discipline and adherence to rules of conduct in active combat zones.
• Erlich, a resident of the West Bank settlement Ofra, was known for his contributions to archaeology and Jewish history, and his death has sparked tributes from Israeli officials and community leaders.