It was reported today that an Israeli-American reservist was killed by a Hezbollah missile in Israel. According to the Israel Defense Force (IDF), the missile was fired from Lebanese territory. The reservist, identified as Major Tzafrir Bar-Or, was near the border when the missile struck his vehicle, killing him instantly.
Major Bar-Or, a 33-year-old dual US-Israeli citizen, had served in the IDF in a non-combat role since 2012 and had recently been promoted to major. The US Embassy in Tel Aviv issued a statement expressing its condolences to the Bar-Or family and Israel.
The attack comes after a period of escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, a Shi’ite Muslim group in Lebanon. This is the first incident of its kind since the 2006 Hezbollah-Israel war. In response to the attack, the IDF shelled several Hezbollah locations near the border, and have promised a robust response to the missile strike.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his outrage at the attack. In a statement, he called it an “outrageous act of war” and promised that Israel would retaliate. He also called on the international community to condemn Hezbollah and its sponsor, Iran.
The incident has highlighted the volatile nature of the region and the need for a de-escalation of tensions. As political leaders on both sides work to avoid an all-out war, one can only hope that Major Bar-Or’s death will not be in vain. His tragic passing will be mourned by family and friends, as well as all those who wish for peace in the region.