Israeli researcher Zeev Erlich, 71, killed in southern Lebanon clash

A 71-year-old Israeli researcher, who was part of Israeli army, was killed during a firefight with Hezbollah operatives in southern Lebanon, Times of Israel reported. The civilian, identified as Zeev Erlich, was permitted to enter the area without the necessary approvals while accompanied by a senior officer from the Israel Defense Force. Erlich had entered southern Lebanon armed and dressed in IDF uniform, despite not being an active-duty soldier or reservist. Following the clash, an IDF investigation confirmed that the two Hezbollah gunmen involved were killed. In a controversial move, the IDF has retroactively designated Erlich as a major in reserves, even though he was not on active duty at the time of his death.