A 71-year-old Israeli researcher, who was part of Israeli army, was killed during a firefight with Hezbollah operatives in southern Lebanon, Times of Israel reported.

The civilian, identified as Zeev Erlich, was permitted to enter the area without the necessary approvals while accompanied by a senior officer from the Israel Defense Force.

Erlich had entered southern Lebanon armed and dressed in IDF uniform, despite not being an active-duty soldier or reservist. Following the clash, an IDF investigation confirmed that the two Hezbollah gunmen involved were killed.

In a controversial move, the IDF has retroactively designated Erlich as a major in reserves, even though he was not on active duty at the time of his death. The circumstances surrounding his entry into southern Lebanon are under investigation.

Preliminary investigations by the IDF revealed that Colonel Yoav Yarom, chief of staff of the Golani Brigade, authorised Erlich’s entry to the western sector of southern Lebanon to assess an archaeological site, specifically an ancient fortress.

The IDF Spokesman’s Office has confirmed that Yarom did not have the authority to approve the entry of 71-year-old Israeli civilian Zeev Erlich into southern Lebanon, highlighting that the proper protocols for civilians accompanying military troops were not followed.

Sgt Gur Kehati, 20, from the Golani Brigade’s 13th Battalion, was also killed in the confrontation with Hezbollah operatives.

Israeli ground forces have been active in Lebanon since October 1, following a limited incursion aimed at expelling Hezbollah from border villages and towns.

Yarom sustained moderate injuries during a firefight with Hezbollah operatives. A company commander from the Golani Brigade’s 13th Battalion was wounded in the same incident.

In a separate incident, Sgt. First Class (res) Eitan Ben Ami, 22, from the Maglan commando unit, was killed when a building collapsed during operations. Another soldier was injured in the collapse but was successfully rescued.