Hezbollah attack kills Israeli soldier in Southern Lebanon

International, Middle East

MIDDLE EAST (NPA) — March 8, 2026 — Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, has announced the death of Staff Sergeant Mahar Khatar, an Israeli soldier, during fighting in southern Lebanon. Another soldier was also killed, though his name has not yet been released.

In a statement on Sunday, Katz expressed deep sorrow over the loss and praised Khatar, a member of Israel’s Druze community, for his service. He highlighted the community’s longstanding contributions to Israel’s security, noting:

Katz extended condolences to Khatar’s family and the Druze community, while commending Israeli forces “battling on all fronts.”

The announcement comes amid Israel’s ongoing military operations against Iran and Hezbollah. Fighting in Lebanon escalated after Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel, reportedly in response to the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in an Israeli airstrike on the first day of the conflict.