Beirut, Oct 03 (V7N) — Israel has faced significant casualties following its ground offensive in southern Lebanon, where clashes with Hezbollah fighters have intensified. According to an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) statement, eight Israeli soldiers, including two captains, have been killed since the start of the operation on Wednesday.

The fatalities occurred as Israeli forces crossed the Lebanese border to attack Hezbollah positions. Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed Lebanese resistance movement, claimed to have engaged Israeli forces in fierce combat, forcing the IDF to retreat. The group also reported the destruction of three Israeli tanks during the confrontation.

Hezbollah spokesperson Mohammad Afif stated that the conflict is only beginning, adding that their fighters in southern Lebanon remain at full readiness to resist Israeli forces.

The IDF has confirmed the names of the fallen soldiers, which include:

Captain Harel Ettinger (23), Egoz Commando Unit

Captain Etai Ariel Giat (23), Yahalom Combat Engineering Unit

Sergeant First Class Noam Barzilay (22), Egoz Commando Unit

Sergeant First Class Or Mantjur (21), Egoz Commando Unit

Sergeant First Class Nazar Itkin (21), Egoz Commando Unit

Staff Sergeant Almken Terefe (21), Golani Brigade covert unit

Staff Sergeant Ido Breuer (21), Golani Brigade covert unit

While Israel has confirmed these fatalities, no further information has been provided regarding the number of seriously injured soldiers.

The clashes come amid rising tensions following the killing of senior Hezbollah and Hamas leaders, which has escalated the conflict in the region. Iran, a key supporter of Hezbollah, launched over 180 ballistic missiles at Israeli targets on Tuesday in retaliation, further fueling fears of a wider regional conflict.

END/RH/AJ