An Israeli soldier was killed during an operation in southern Lebanon on Monday. The Israel Defense Forces on Tuesday named him as 30-year-old reservist Ayal Uriel Bianco from Katzrin.

Bianco served in the 188th Armored Brigade and was operating as the driver of a military vehicle. According to the army, one additional reservist was moderately injured and two other soldiers were lightly injured in the incident. All of the wounded were evacuated to Israel for medical treatment. The families of those involved have been notified.

According to initial findings, the incident occurred during operational activity when a military vehicle overturned. It is still unclear whether external factors played a role. The army has launched an investigation to clarify the exact circumstances of the event.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:

“Together with all citizens of Israel, my wife and I send our heartfelt condolences to the family of Sgt.-Maj. (Res.) Ayal Uriel Bianco, of blessed memory, who fell in battle in southern Lebanon.

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— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) April 14, 2026

With Bianco’s death, the number of fallen Israeli soldiers since the start of the war on October 7, 2023, has risen to 937. This figure is based on the official numbers released by the Israeli military regarding fallen soldiers.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his condolences to the family of the fallen soldier. He honored Bianco as a soldier who lost his life in service of Israel’s security.

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