Israel on March 23 acknowledged that artillery from its own forces accidentally killed 60-year-old avocado farmer Ofer Moskovitz near the Lebanese border, the first civilian fatality reported on the Israeli side. The military admitted "severe issues and operational errors," saying five shells struck the Misgav Am ridge instead of the intended target. The incident occurred amid a major Israeli campaign against Hezbollah, while Lebanese authorities report heavy civilian casualties and widespread displacement.
Israeli Avocado Farmer Killed by Friendly Fire Near Lebanon, Military Says
Israeli military vehicles are parked on the Israeli side of the border with Lebanon, amid escalation between Iran-backed Hezbollah and Israel and the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in northern Israel, March 21, 2026. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu
On March 23, Israel acknowledged that artillery fired by its own forces accidentally struck and killed Ofer Moskovitz, a 60-year-old avocado farmer from the border community of Misgav Am. The military said Moskovitz's death was the first Israeli civilian fatality reported in the current border fighting with Lebanon.
Major General Rafi Milo, who commands the military's northern sector, said the shells fell "during an operation whose entire purpose was to protect them." The military initially attributed the incident to cross-border fire from Lebanon, but a later statement identified "severe issues and operational errors" that caused the friendly-fire incident.
"Moskovitz was killed by our own forces' fire during an operation whose entire purpose was to protect them," Major General Rafi Milo said.
The military said artillery was fired at an incorrect angle and that required protocols were not followed. As a result, five artillery shells landed on the Misgav Am ridge instead of the intended enemy positions while troops were firing to support soldiers operating in southern Lebanon.
The incident occurred amid a major Israeli ground and air campaign aimed at degrading Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militia that escalated cross-border attacks. Lebanese authorities report more than 1,000 people killed and over a million displaced; Israeli forces say two soldiers have also been killed in recent combat.
Moskovitz, an avocado grower who had spoken with reporters the week before, voiced concern about the proximity of fighting. "Every five minutes you can hear the bombs," he said.
The military has opened a review to determine accountability and to strengthen command-and-control procedures to prevent similar incidents. The friendly-fire death has intensified scrutiny of operational practices as cross-border fighting continues.
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