Israeli Defense Ministry contractor killed in Hezbollah drone attack in southern Lebanon

A Defense Ministry civilian contractor was killed and another was wounded by a Hezbollah explosive drone attack in southern Lebanon earlier today, the military announces.

The slain contractor, who is not immediately named, was operating heavy engineering machinery in the Aitaroun area, close to Bint Jbeil, amid efforts to demolish Hezbollah infrastructure.

The explosive-laden drone directly struck the excavator being operated by the contractor, killing him. The contractor’s son, who worked for the same company employed by the Defense Ministry, was lightly wounded by shrapnel in the incident, according to Ziv Hospital in Safed.

Hezbollah took responsibility for the attack, claiming to have targeted an Israeli bulldozer in Bint Jbeil while it was demolishing homes. The terror group said earlier that it hit the engineering vehicle with an explosive drone.

The IDF says the contractor’s family was notified by the police of the incident. Despite operating in war zones, civilian contractors who have been killed are not recognized as fallen soldiers.

“The IDF and Defense Ministry extend their condolences to the family,” the army adds.