The IDF confirmed that Reserve Chief Sergeant First Class Alexander Filin, 29, of Haifa, was killed when a Hezbollah-planted IED detonated near a foot patrol by the Litani River. At least seven soldiers were wounded, including the 36th Division deputy commander (Colonel) and the 556th Battalion commander (Lieutenant-Colonel). The IDF said it struck nearby terror infrastructure with artillery and has opened an investigation. Separately, two explosive drones wounded five soldiers, who were evacuated for treatment.
IDF Reserve Chief Sergeant Killed by IED in Southern Lebanon; Seven Soldiers Wounded, Including Senior Officers
IDF Chief Sergeant First Class (res.) Alexander Filin, 29 , from Haifa was killed in combat in southern Lebanon, the military announced on June 18, 2026. (photo credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON
Chief Sergeant First Class (res.) Alexander Filin, 29, from Haifa, was killed in combat in southern Lebanon on Wednesday, the Israel Defense Forces said. Filin served as a combat soldier in the 36th Division command post.
According to the IDF, the fatal blast occurred at approximately 5 p.m. near the Litani River when an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by Hezbollah detonated close to a foot patrol composed of soldiers from the 36th Division and the Givati Brigade.
The military reported that at least seven other soldiers were wounded in the explosion. Among the moderately wounded were the 36th Division deputy commander (a Colonel), and the commander of the 556th Battalion (a Lieutenant-Colonel), both of whom are reserve officers. A third reserve soldier was also listed as moderately wounded.
In addition, the IDF said a combat non-commissioned officer and three reserve soldiers—one of them a woman—sustained light injuries. All wounded personnel were evacuated and received medical care.
(ILLUSTRATIVE) AN IDF soldier aiming out of a window in southern Lebanon. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)
Following the attack, the IDF said it targeted nearby terror infrastructure with artillery fire. An official investigation into the incident is underway.
Separate Drone Incidents
The military also reported a separate incident in the early hours of Wednesday in which two Hezbollah-launched explosive drones struck or detonated near IDF forces in southern Lebanon. The first drone exploded close to a Givati Brigade tank, and shrapnel wounded four soldiers who were evacuated by helicopter for treatment. Shortly afterwards, a second drone detonated and injured a fifth soldier, who was also evacuated.
Of those wounded in the drone incidents, one was listed as severely injured, two as moderately wounded and two as lightly wounded. The IDF again reported responding to the drone attacks by striking terror infrastructure in the area.
Haifa Mayor Yona Yahav released a statement expressing deep sorrow over Filin's death and offering condolences to his family. Amir Bohbot contributed to this report.
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