IDF says Hezbollah operative who killed reservist last week was eliminated shortly after

The IDF says troops from the 401st Armored Brigade killed the Hezbollah operative responsible for the death of Maj. (res.) Itamar Sapir in southern Lebanon last week.

According to the military, the operative opened fire from the area of a church in southern Lebanon, killing Sapir. Troops on the ground returned fire.

The IDF says the operative was later identified entering a nearby building and was killed in a combined tank shelling and targeted air force strike.

The military adds that additional Hezbollah observation posts, weapons depots and buildings allegedly used for terror activity were also struck during the operation.

Footage released by the IDF of a strike on the Hezbollah operative who killed Maj. (res.) Itamar Sapir, cleared for publication May 27, 2026. (Israel Defense Forces)