Commander of IDF’s 401st Brigade seriously wounded in south Lebanon drone strike

By Stav Levaton

You will receive email alerts from this author. Manage alert preferences on your profile page

You will no longer receive email alerts from this author. Manage alert preferences on your profile page

20 May 2026, 5:28 pm

Edit

Stav Levaton is a military reporter for The Times of Israel

IDF chief Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi walks alongside Col. Meir Biderman, the commander of the 417th territorial brigade at the brigade's base in the northern Jordan Valley, February 28, 2023. (Israel Defense Forces)

The commander of the 401st Armored Brigade, Col. Meir Biderman, 41, was seriously wounded earlier today when an explosive drone struck in southern Lebanon, the IDF says.

The military says that Col. (res.) H., who currently serves as the brigade’s chief of staff, will temporarily fill his position.

A reserve lieutenant colonel serving in the 162nd Division was moderately wounded in the same incident, while an additional reservist sustained light injuries, according to the IDF.

All three were evacuated to a hospital for treatment, and their families have been notified, the army says.