Stav Levaton is a military reporter for The Times of Israel
Col. (res.) Yoav Yarom, in an undated photo. (Israel Defense Forces)
Military prosecutors announce their intention to indict the former chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces’ Golani Brigade, Col. (res.) Yoav Yarom, over his involvement in the circumstances that led to the deaths of Sgt. Gur Kehati, 20, and civilian researcher Ze’ev Erlich, 71, during an incident in southern Lebanon in November 2024.
Notice of the intention to indict him, along with an invitation to a hearing, has been delivered to the officer’s legal representatives, the IDF says.
According to an initial IDF probe, Yarom had allowed Erlich to enter the western sector of southern Lebanon, in IDF uniform, to examine an archaeological site without the necessary approvals. Believing the area had been cleared of threats, Yarom led Erlich and accompanying troops to the site, where Hezbollah operatives opened fire, killing Erlich and Kehati.
Israeli researcher Ze’ev Erlich seen in IDF uniform on November 20, 2024, hours before he was killed in a gun battle with Hezbollah operatives. (IDF Spokesman)
At the time, the IDF stressed that Yarom did not have the authority to approve Erlich’s entry, and that the proper process for civilian access was not followed.
The military expresses condolences to the families and says it will continue to accompany them throughout the legal proceedings.
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