Israeli Man, 71, Dies in Hezbollah Ambush After Crossing into Lebanon in Military Uniform

A 71-year-old Israeli man, who illegally donned a military uniform, crossed into Lebanon and was shot dead by a member of the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. Israeli military authorities have launched an investigation into how the man crossed the Lebanese border and acquired the official military uniform.

On Wednesday, The Times of Israel and The Jerusalem Post reported that 71-year-old retired Lieutenant Colonel and archaeologist Ze’ev Erlich was killed by gunfire from a Hezbollah member in southern Lebanon.

The incident occurred at an archaeological site in southern Lebanon, where the Israeli military is currently engaged in combat operations. At the time of his death, Erlich was visiting the site with active-duty Israeli military officers and soldiers.

Although the area had been previously deemed safe to enter, two Hezbollah members were reportedly hiding there and opened fire. Erlich and one active-duty soldier were killed in the attack.

The Israeli military stated that Erlich, a civilian, crossed the border without authorization and is investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.

Preliminary findings suggest that Erlich crossed the border with Colonel Yoav Yaron, the chief of staff of the Golani Brigade.

Additionally, the military is investigating how Erlich obtained an official Israeli military uniform, which he was wearing at the time of his death.