Beirut: An Israeli soldier was killed and another was injured during ongoing fighting in southern Lebanon, the military reported on Saturday. The incident marks a significant escalation in the conflict that has been unfolding in the region.

According to Anadolu Agency, the military identified the deceased as Sgt. First Class Guy Ludar, 21, from Yuvalim, who was serving in the Maglan Unit of the Commando Brigade. The military statement confirmed that Ludar was killed "during combat" in southern Lebanon, while an additional soldier was reported to be severely injured. Details surrounding the circumstances of these casualties remain undisclosed by the army.

Israeli Channel 12 has reported that an urgent investigation has been launched by the army to determine the circumstances leading to the soldier's death, indicating the possibility of "friendly fire" during the skirmish. The incident adds to the rising casualty toll, with Israeli military data revealing that 11 soldiers have been killed in southern Lebanon since March 2. There is no comprehensive figure available for the number of soldiers wounded.

Israel has been enforcing strict military censorship regarding losses from missile and drone attacks, suggesting that the actual figures might be higher than those officially released. The current conflict involves Israeli airstrikes and a ground offensive in southern Lebanon, initiated in response to a cross-border attack by Hezbollah on March 2. This is despite a ceasefire that was supposed to be effective since November 2024.

Lebanese authorities have reported that the broader Israeli military campaign since March 2 has resulted in the deaths of 1,422 people, with 4,294 wounded and more than one million displaced. In retaliation, Hezbollah has launched rocket attacks into Israel, citing ongoing Israeli strikes on Lebanon and the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israeli airstrike on February 28 as provocations.