The IDF announced this evening (Sunday) that after an initial investigation into the "Battalion Tank" disaster in which the 52nd Battalion, Lt. Col. Dor Gedaliya Ben Simhon, and the fighters Sergeant Neve Habsush, Sergeant Yoav Klein and Sergeant Liav Kabbaya fell, it emerged that the tank was hit by an explosive drone.
The IDF spokesman's statement stated: "The incident is under investigation. The information has been provided to the families. The IDF shares the families' grief and will continue to accompany them.".
Already in the early stages after the disaster, the IDF estimated that Hezbollah had carried out a combined attack that included firing anti-tank missiles and launching an explosive drone at the tank.
The incident occurred as part of an operation by Division 36 on the Ali Taher ridge, south of Nabatieh. After the anti-tank missile fire, an armed drone managed to penetrate the tank through the rear corridor, apparently carrying anti-tank ammunition, and exploded inside the vehicle.
The IDF notes that the issue of the drone penetrating the tank is the focus of the Armored Corps' investigation.
