Four IDF soldiers fell in battle early Friday morning in Kfar Tebnit in southern Lebanon. The IDF cleared for publication that one of the fallen is LTC Dor Gedalia Ben Simhon, aged 32, from Beit HaShita, the commander of the 52nd Battalion, 401st Brigade.
The families of the other fallen soldiers have been notified, and their names have not yet been cleared for publication. They will be released at a later time.
An initial inquiry into the incident found that around 12:20 a.m., a suspicious target, either a drone or an anti-tank missile, struck a 52nd Battalion tank that was operating under the command of the Givati Brigade Combat Team in Kfar Tebnit, killing the four soldiers.
In a second incident, at approximately 4:00 a.m. in the Beoufort area near Tebnit, an explosive drone struck troops from the Commando Brigade. Five soldiers were wounded, one severely.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog lamented: "This is a very difficult and painful morning. With profound grief, we learned of the terrible news that four of our nation’s sons fell in battle in Lebanon, including LTC Dor Gedalia Ben Simhon, the Commander of the 52nd Battalion, 401st Brigade."
He continued, “About two months ago, after the Battalion Commander, LTC Y., was severely wounded in combat, Dor took command upon himself, and from that point led his soldiers at the front with determination and responsibility.
“LTC Dor Gedalia Ben Simhon and the additional three fallen soldiers, whose names have not yet been cleared for publication, join a long and unbearably painful list of the daughters and sons who have fallen in defense of our homeland and people. Each one was an entire world, with dreams, hopes, and aspirations cut down in their prime.
“Together with the whole of the people of Israel, we embrace their beloved and precious families and send them our heartfelt condolences at this difficult moment. We pray for the recovery of the wounded and for the well-being of all IDF soldiers and security forces. May the memory of our heroes be blessed," Herzog concluded.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sent condolences to the families of the fallen and wished a speedy recovery to the wounded in the exchanges of fire yesterday.
He also announced that "following the heinous attack by Hezbollah, which is a flagrant violation of the ceasefire, I instructed the IDF last night to strike Hezbollah with force. The IDF struck over 80 terror targets and eliminated dozens of terrorists. Subsequently, the IDF struck Hezbollah command posts in the Beqaa Valley this morning."
"This morning, I held a situation assessment with the Minister of Defense and the Chief of General Staff. My directive is clear: Israel will not tolerate attacks on our soldiers or our territory, and it will exact a very heavy price from Hezbollah for these attacks. The IDF will act to thwart any threat to our forces and our territory," the Prime Minister added.
LTC Dor assumed command of Battalion 52 on April 20, 2026, about a week after the battalion’s commander was seriously wounded during the fighting. Dor accepted command during a complex period and led the battalion’s soldiers with determination and responsibility throughout the past two months of combat.
LTC Dor rose through the ranks of the Armored Corps in the 401st Brigade and carried out most of his major command roles there throughout his service. He commanded soldiers and officers in a series of operational positions, stood out for his professionalism and leadership, and later served as chief of staff to the head of the Northern Command during Operation “Northern Arrows" until the residents returned, completing that role in August. He then attended the Command and Staff Course, and in April returned to field command when he was appointed commander of Battalion 52.
LTC Dor was married and the father of two daughters. He grew up in a family of soldiers - he and his four brothers enlisted in the 401st Brigade, while another brother enlisted in the Golani Brigade. His wife serves as a combat officer in the Combat Intelligence Collection Corps and Border Defense Corps.