IDF Reservist Killed and Three Injured by Hezbollah Explosive Device During South Lebanon Sweep

Warrant Officer Barak Kalfon killed in Jebbayn by an explosive device. Three other IDF soldiers wounded during weapons scans after the Friday ceasefire.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 18, 2026, 6:38 PM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Times of Israel

Fatal Detonation During Post-Ceasefire Clearing Operations

The Israel Defense Forces confirmed the death of a reservist and the wounding of three additional troops following a blast in southern Lebanon. The incident took place as the soldiers were conducting scans for weaponry within a building in the village of Jebbayn. Despite a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah taking effect early Friday morning, the hidden threat of unexploded or preset ordnance remains a primary danger for units operating in the contested border regions.

Identifying the Fallen Reservist and Wounded Personnel

The military has identified the slain soldier as Warrant Officer (res.) Barak Kalfon, a 48-year-old resident of Adi. Kalfon served in the 7056th Battalion of the 226th Reserve Paratroopers Brigade. In addition to the fatality, the military reported that three other troops sustained injuries during the detonation. According to medical updates, two of the soldiers are in moderate condition, while the third suffered light injuries.

Initial Probe Into the Mechanism of the Blast

A preliminary investigation conducted by the IDF suggests that the explosive device was not triggered by a remote operator. This indicates that the paratroopers likely encountered a stationary trap or a preset bomb while moving through the structure in Jebbayn. The military is currently examining whether the device was recently placed or if it was a dormant explosive left behind prior to the commencement of the truce.