Why was a civilian in Lebanon? More details on the death of Ze'ev Erlich

An unusual incident in Lebanon: The IDF has launched an investigation into the event in which researcher Ze'ev "Zabo" Ehrlich fell, who was killed today (Wednesday) in southern Lebanon after entering the area with IDF forces. From an initial investigation, it was stated that this is a serious incident, and that his entry as a civilian did not go through the required approval process of the division commander and the general.

The incident occurred around 3:00 PM, after Erlich entered Lebanon along with a force commanded by the former Golani Brigade Chief of Staff, Colonel (Res.) Yoav Yaron. The team arrived at an archaeological site about 6 km from the border, which included a historic fortress – where two Hezbollah operatives were hiding and opened fire, resulting in the death of the 71-year-old researcher.

The IDF stated that they would investigate whether there was an operational necessity for Ehrlich's entry into the combat zone, and whether he had entered there on other occasions. It was also stated that despite the fact that Erlich is a civilian and was not in active reserve service, the head of the IDF Personnel Directorate decided that he would be recognized as a fallen IDF soldier.