Chief Sergeant First Class (res.) Alexander Filin, aged 29, from Haifa was a combat soldier in the IDF's 36th Division.
Follow us on Google IDF Chief Sergeant First Class (res.) Alexander Filin, 29 , from Haifa was killed in combat in southern Lebanon, the military announced on June 18, 2026. (photo credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT ) By JAMES GENN JUNE 18, 2026 06:11 Updated: JUNE 18, 2026 08:42 IDF Chief Sergeant First Class (res.) Alexander Filin, aged 29, from Haifa, was killed in combat in southern Lebanon , the military announced on Thursday.
Filin was a combat soldier in the 36th Division command post.
He was killed when a team of soldiers from the 36th Division and the Givati Brigade was walking on foot near the Litani River when a Hezbollah IED exploded near them, at approximately 5 p.m. on Wednesday.
During the incident, at least seven other soldiers were wounded, the military noted.
This included an IDF officer, a reserve officer, and an additional reserve soldier who were moderately wounded, the military said.
(ILLUSTRATIVE) AN IDF soldier aiming out of a window in southern Lebanon. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT) The officer was identified as the 36th Division's deputy commander, a Colonel rank, and the reserve officer as the 556th Battalion commander, a Lieutenant-Colonel rank.
Additionally, a combat NCO and three reserve soldiers, one of whom was a woman, were lightly wounded in the incident, the military added.
Following the incident, the IDF targeted terror infrastructure in the area with artillery fire.
The IDF is investigating the incident.
Haifa Mayor Yona Yahav issued a statement, expressing deep sorrow at the news of Filin's death and expressing condolences to the family.
Double Hezbollah drone attack wounds five IDF soldiers
Meanwhile, in a separate incident on Wednesday morning , two Hezbollah explosive drones wounded five soldiers operating in southern Lebanon.
The first drone exploded near a tank belonging to the Givati Brigade during the early hours of Tuesday. Shrapnel from the drone wounded four soldiers, who were evacuated by helicopter to the hospital for medical treatment.
Shortly afterward, another drone exploded, wounding a fifth soldier, who was also evacuated.
One of these soldiers was severely wounded, while two were moderately wounded and two were lightly wounded.
The IDF also responded to this incident by targeting terror infrastructure with artillery fire.
Amir Bohbot contributed to this report.
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