As IDF works to clear southern Lebanon, soldiers urge Defense Minister Katz to ‘finish the job’

The IDF announced on Monday morning the death of another soldier killed in Lebanon, Sgt. Liran Ben Zion, 19, from Holon, who was killed Sunday by anti-tank fire. 

Another armored officer was wounded in the same attack, the military said. 

Previously, the IDF announced that three soldiers were seriously injured and three others were moderately injured in other incidents on Sunday. 

Several of the soldiers were injured in anti-tank fire, another was injured in a drone attack,  while another was injured in a military accident. 

All the soldiers were evacuated to Israeli hospitals for medical treatment and their families were notified. 

The military has been working to remove the Hezbollah presence in southern Lebanon since early in the war, after Hezbollah joined the fight against Israel after prodding its sponsor Iran. 

On Monday, the IDF announced that forces from the 401st Brigade Combat Team destroyed terror infrastructure and located weapons in southern Lebanon. 

"As part of raid activities on terror infrastructure in southern Lebanon, the fighters located weapons stockpiles and destroyed several advanced anti-tank missiles that were intended for launch towards the territory of the State of Israel," the IDF said. "In addition, the forces located weapons stockpiles in underground positions. The weapons were destroyed immediately after being located by the forces.” 

פעילות כוחות צוות הקרב החטיבתי 401 בדרום לבנון: הושמדו תשתיות טרור ואותרו אמצעי לחימה

במסגרת פעילויות פשיטה על תשתיות טרור בדרום לבנון, הלוחמים איתרו מצבורי אמצעי לחימה והשמידו מספר טילי נ״ט מתקדמים, שיועדו לשיגור לעבר שטח מדינת ישראל.

בנוסף, הכוחות איתרו מצבורי אמצעי לחימה… pic.twitter.com/99bbHT3SLo

— צבא ההגנה לישראל (@idfonline) March 30, 2026

The military also said that IDF soldiers struck a Hezbollah squad dressed as paramedics last night, operating near an ambulance in southern Lebanon. 

“The terrorists who were struck had been systematically operating to transport weapons using ambulances from northern to southern Lebanon, as part of ongoing terror activities and for use against IDF forces and the State of Israel,” the IDF said. “In the past month alone, dozens of rockets were launched toward the State of Israel and IDF forces from the areas where the terrorists were operating, with the terrorists exploiting and using ambulances and medical infrastructure for military purposes.” 

“The use of ambulances and medical teams to conceal terror activity constitutes a serious violation of international law, the IDF continued. “According to IDF directives and in accordance with international law, medical teams enjoy special protection provided they do not engage in hostile acts outside their humanitarian role and in accordance with the conditions stipulated in the law. This incident serves as another example of the cynical and systematic use by the Hezbollah terror organization of medical infrastructure for military purposes.” 

Israeli forces in Lebanon have reached the Litani River area, roughly 8-10 kilometers (5-6 miles) from the border. Due to the terrain, the soldiers receive very short advance warnings over the radio about incoming fire, often a matter of seconds. 

The forces are working to create a security zone, far from the border, in order to reduce the threat to residents of northern Israel. 

Since the beginning of ground operations in southern Lebanon, five other soldiers have been killed by anti-tank fire, shooting, and rocket fire, while more than 30 fighters have been injured. 

Defense Minister Israel Katz visited Beilinson Hospital to see fighters who had been injured in the fighting. During his visit, Minister Katz met Shai Li, a Golani fighter who was wounded in southern Lebanon. 

According to reports, Li told Katz, "We must not stop - that is what is important.”  

Defense Minister Katz reportedly replied, “We will not stop. We are in both Iran and in Lebanon in all sectors. We certainly understand what is required. You and your friends are carrying Israel's security on your shoulders now - thanks to you, we will make the necessary decisions.” 

One of the armored soldiers injured in a previous attack at the beginning of ground operations, has already returned to combat in southern Lebanon, Ynet News reported Sunday. 

Sgt. A., a soldier in the 46th Battalion of the 401st Brigade, was injured by anti-tank fire in the first encounters with Hezbollah after entering Lebanon. Four weeks later, he was back fighting in southern Lebanon. 

“I didn’t think I’d make it back this fast,” said Sgt. A., 19, from Eilat. “But I had no hesitation. I enlisted to be a combat soldier and I want to be here.” 

Cpl. Y., 19, from Kibbutz Evron, who was also in the tank during the attack, said, they are nervous to be back, but ready to finish the job. 

“We’re all excited and also a bit nervous, but we want to go in and do the job,” he said. “Our mission is to bring quiet to the north.” 

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar spoke of Hezbollah’s attacks on Israel which necessitated the ground operation. 

“5,000 missiles, rockets and UAVs have been fired at Israel from Lebanese territory since March 2, when Hezbollah launched an attack in violation of the November 2024 ceasefire agreement,” Sa’ar stated. 

Minister Sa’ar noted that despite the claims of the Lebanese Army to have “operational control” over the areas south of the Litani River, which was supposed to be free of all Hezbollah presence, some attacks had even been launched from that area. 

“A large part of them were fired at Israel from south of the Litani - an area that the Lebanese army declared in early January to be under its 'operational control.' Lebanon will not regain its freedom as long as the decision is not made in Beirut to confront the Iranian occupation and do its thing - Hezbollah."