The IDF announced today that Chief Sergeant First Class (res.) Alexander Filin, 29, was killed yesterday evening in southern Lebanon. According to The Jerusalem Post, Filin and a team from the 36th Division and the Givati Brigade were operating near the Litani River when a Hezbollah IED exploded nearby, killing Filin and wounding at least seven other soldiers.
The officer was identified as the 36th Division’s deputy commander, a Colonel rank, and the reserve officer as the 556th Battalion commander, a Lieutenant-Colonel rank.
Additionally, a combat NCO and three reserve soldiers, one of whom was a woman, were lightly wounded in the incident, the military added.
Following the incident, the IDF targeted terror infrastructure in the area with artillery fire.
The IDF is investigating the incident.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident on Wednesday morning, two Hezbollah explosive drones wounded five soldiers operating in southern Lebanon.
The first drone exploded near a tank belonging to the Givati Brigade during the early hours of Tuesday. Shrapnel from the drone wounded four soldiers, who were evacuated by helicopter to the hospital for medical treatment.
Shortly afterward, another drone exploded, wounding a fifth soldier, who was also evacuated.
One of these soldiers was severely wounded, while two were moderately wounded and two were lightly wounded.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump announced today that he had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian at Versailles. According to the Iranian Foreign Ministry, the agreement gives Iran the option of diluting uranium rather than sending it abroad. The ministry also stated that ballistic missiles are not part of the discussions, arguing that they are a component of Iran’s national defense.
Iran further stated that any Israeli attacks in Lebanon would be considered a breach of the agreement. However, no mention was made of how violations would be addressed if Hezbollah were to initiate attacks, as occurred in yesterday’s incident. The 60-day discussion period outlined in the MoU begins today with its signing.
The Fellowship and our supporters pray for the Filin family during this difficult time, as well as for the men and women of the IDF who remain stationed in southern Lebanon, as efforts continue toward achieving shalom—peace.
