2 soldiers killed, 7 wounded in Hezbollah attack near Lebanon border

Netanyahu: “Those behind the attack will pay" - 2 soldiers killed, 7 wounded in Hezbollah attack near Lebanon border

Anti-tank missiles were fired by Hezbollah upon Mount Dov at 11:30 this morning; Major Yohai Klinger and First Sergeant Dor Nini killed in the attack, 7 soldiers wounded; The IDF responded with artillery fire upon Southern Lebanon and closed area roadways; Prime Minister Netanyahu said: “Those behind the attack will pay”

Jan 28, 2015, 08:30PM | Rachel Avraham

A wounded Israeli soldier was carried Wednesday after an antitank missile hit a convoy in a disputed area on the Lebanon border. Credit Jalaa Marey/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

The names of the 2 soldiers killed today by Hezbollah ambush at Mount Dov were cleared for publication: Givati Company Commander Major Yohai Kilnger and First Sergeant Dor Nini. Captain Kilnger was promoted to Major after his death; Sergeant Nini was promoted to First-Sergeant.

2 IDF soldiers were killed today (Wednesday) by Hezbollah at around 11:30 upon the northern border. 7 soldiers, who sustained light and moderate wounds, evacuated to local hospitals to receive medical treatment. 

An initial investigation indicates that at least 5 anti-tank missiles were fired from long distance at IDF convoy, hitting at least 2 army vehicles on civil roadway, Route 999 near Mount Dov. Following the attack, the IDF responded with artillery fire upon Southern Lebanon.

Over the skies of Lebanon, increased Israeli Air Force activity was felt in order to demonstrate their presence and to send a message to Hezbollah not to continue firing at Israel. Arabic language media outlets reported that two Israeli naval ships entered Lebanese waters and they surveyed the area facing Naqoura Beach.

Ron Prosor, Israel's Permanent Representative to the UN conveyed UN Security Council that Israel has the right to defend itself. “Terror hit Israelis and we will not stand idly by” said Prosor. President Reuven Rivlin said he is "confident that the IDF will know to manage this round of violence and certain that the Israeli leadership will know to calm the situation.” Israeli President also sent my condolences to the families of the dead; “we are all with you in these difficult times."

Prime Minister Netanyahu: “Those behind the attack will pay”

Following the escalation in the North, a security assessment was held in the Kirya in Tel Aviv with the participation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon. IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz is closely monitoring the developments.

“First, I want to send my condolences to the families who lost their beloved ones”, said Netanyahu: “and my wish for a speedy recovery to the wounded soldiers. Those behind the attack will pay the price.”  

In addition, Prime Minister Netanyahu blamed Iran for its involvement: “for a while now, Iran is trying to open terror front in Syria, using Hezbollah. The Lebanese government and Bashar al-Assad’s regime are both responsible. The only consideration that stands before us is the security of the State of Israel and its citizens. This is exactly how we have acted in the past and we will continue to work the same.”