The IDF has broadened its probe after a blast in Majdal Zoun, southern Lebanon, killed two reservists and severely wounded four others. Initial technical reviews largely ruled out unexploded ordnance, but investigators say the explosion was unusually forceful for a typical device. Northern Command warns Hezbollah activity in the area means tampering cannot be excluded. The inquiry remains open as commanders continue to review field findings.
IDF Widens Probe After Unusually Powerful Blast Kills Two Reservists in Southern Lebanon
Israeli soldiers visit at a viewpoint overlooking southern Lebanon, August 5, 2026. (photo credit: AYAL MARGOLIN/FLASH90)
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has expanded its investigation into a deadly explosion in southern Lebanon after investigators concluded the blast that killed two reservists was unusually powerful for a standard explosive device. The incident took place during a combat mission in the village of Majdal Zoun, where two soldiers were killed and four others were severely wounded.
What Happened
Maj. (res.) Harel Birenstock, a company commander, and M.-Sgt. (res.) Tamir Vaknin, both from Battalion 2855 of the 55th Reserve Paratroopers Brigade, were killed in the blast. Four additional soldiers were left with severe injuries during the operation.
Investigation Findings So Far
Officials from the Israeli Air Force reviewed the scene and noted that several months earlier a bomb had been dropped on a structure more than 100 metres away from the building that later collapsed. A professional authority initially judged that any unexploded ordnance in the wider area was unlikely to have struck the specific building that fell, effectively ruling out that cause at first.
Israeli soldiers are seen along the Israeli border with Lebanon in northern Israel, July 5, 2026. (credit: AYAL MARGOLIN/FLASH90)
Brig.-Gen. Yuval Gaz, commander of the Galilee Division, conducted a detailed review of how the building had been searched and cleared for explosives prior to the unit entering. Preliminary findings indicate the patrol entered the scanned building, exited and continued its mission; when the force returned and passed the same building a second time, a powerful device detonated. The prevailing assessment within the IDF remains that the device may have been an old explosive, although the force of the blast was atypical.
Possible Tampering and Ongoing Inquiry
Northern Command has reiterated that Hezbollah is active in the sector and has been attempting to challenge IDF forces. Because of that presence, officials say they cannot rule out the possibility that the device was tampered with or modified to specifically target Israeli troops operating in the area.
The investigation remains open and is being continued under the oversight of Head of Northern Command Maj. Gen. Rafi Milo. Authorities are still examining evidence gathered in the field by multiple units to determine the exact cause and any responsible parties.
Casualties: Maj. (res.) Harel Birenstock and M.-Sgt. (res.) Tamir Vaknin were killed; four soldiers sustained severe injuries.
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