In a brutal and unforgivable act of aggression, the Israeli military reported on Thursday that Staff Sergeant Refael Kauders, a dedicated 39-year-old soldier, was mercilessly killed in the north, amidst the relentless and near-daily clashes with Lebanon’s Hezbollah. The brave soldier fell defending his nation on Wednesday after two explosive drones were launched from Lebanon, specifically targeting the peaceful Israeli town of Hurfeish.
This heinous attack did not occur in isolation. The Times of Israel newspaper detailed that the cowardly drone strike not only took the life of Staff Sergeant Kauders but also inflicted injuries on nine other troops, leaving one soldier in a critical condition. This is a staggering blow to the Israeli defense forces and a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by Hezbollah’s unprovoked violence.
Baruch Dayan HaEmet
— Documenting Israel (@DocumentIsrael) June 6, 2024
This was 39 year old Staff Sgt. (res.) Refael Kauders of the Alon Brigade's 5030th Battalion from Tzur Hadassah who was killed in yesterday's Hezbollah drone attack in Hurfeish
May his memory be for a blessing pic.twitter.com/SGEWDJmAgg
Wednesday’s tragic death brings the grim toll to at least 15 soldiers and 11 civilians who have been senselessly killed on the Israeli side of the border with Lebanon. This surge in violence began when clashes with Hezbollah escalated following the outbreak of war with Hamas in Gaza on October 7. The Iranian backed Islamist militant group initiated the hostilities on October 8th by launching missiles into Israel in a declared solidarity with Hamas. Since then, the two sides have been in a "tit-for-tat" battle, with the difference being the Israeli retaliations have targeted militants - a fact reflected in the civilian death tolls.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah drones and rockets have been wreaking havoc on Israeli communities, which have experienced significant damage from fires caused by the rockets. To date, over 100,000 Israelis have been displaced from their homes in the north due to the threat from indiscriminate rocket fire. The situation is dire and intolerable, as innocent lives are continuously lost to these unwarranted acts of terror.
Hezbollah drone hit a soccer field in Hurfeish, a Druze village in northern Israel. Reports of at least ten injured people.
— Sue (@SimplySusie3) June 6, 2024
Military helicopters were sent to airlift the wounded to hospitals.
A combined attack in Horfish with a guided missile and a second drone that hit… pic.twitter.com/cT0xnGgLNz
In Lebanon, the violence has claimed the lives of at least 455 people, primarily fighters, but tragically also including 88 civilians. These numbers reflect the scale of the conflict and the widespread suffering caused by Hezbollah’s aggression. The Israeli military has endured substantial losses since the onset of the Gaza war, with 645 soldiers killed, including 294 in the fierce campaign against Hamas in the Palestinian territory.
The war in Gaza, which erupted after Hamas launched an unprecedented and barbaric attack on Israel on October 7, resulted in the brutal deaths of 1,200 people, predominantly civilians. This horrific assault also led to the abduction of 251 individuals, both Israelis and foreigners. Heartbreakingly, 120 of these captives are still held in Gaza, with 41 confirmed dead.
NEW:
— Megatron (@Megatron_ron) June 4, 2024
🇱🇧🇮🇱 Hezbollah released video footage of a kamikaze drone that directly hit several Israeli soldiers in northern Israel. pic.twitter.com/ZlyLr1M3sT
Israel's commitment to eradicating Hamas remains resolute. The relentless bombardment and ground offensive in Gaza have thus far eliminated at least 15,000 militants. However, the toll on civilians is also severe, with an estimated 15,000 civilians killed amid the conflict, based on the conflicting and unreliable information disseminated by Hamas-controlled ministries.
This bloodshed and loss of innocent lives are unacceptable. The international community must recognize the gravity of these acts of terror and the urgent need for decisive action to protect Israel and ensure peace and security in the region. The sacrifice of heroes like Staff Sergeant Refael Kauders must not be in vain.
