The IDF cleared for publication that an officer and three soldiers from the Nahal Reconnaissance Unit were killed Monday in fighting in southern Lebanon. The names of three of the soldiers have been released so far.
Capt. Noam Madmoni, 22, from Sderot, was a team commander in the Nahal Reconnaissance Unit. Staff Sgt. Ben Cohen, 21, was from Lehavim, and Staff Sgt. Maxsim Entis, 21, was from Bat Yam.
The officer and the two soldiers were killed in an encounter that took place at about 6:30 p.m. Monday in southern Lebanon.
Troops from the Nahal Reconnaissance Unit, operating as part of the Nahal Brigade combat team under the command of the 162nd Division in the western sector, identified terrorist cells and a close-range exchange of fire ensued. Hits on the terrorists were identified during the gun battle. While the casualties were being evacuated, the terrorists fired an anti-tank missile at the troops, causing no additional casualties. Israeli forces responded with tank fire and airstrikes.
In addition to those killed, one soldier was seriously wounded, and another soldier and a reserve soldier were moderately wounded. All of the wounded were evacuated to a hospital for medical treatment, and their families were notified.
