Jerusalem, 26 March, 2026 (TPS-IL) — The Israel Defense Forces on Thursday morning authorized the publication of the death of Sgt. Uri Greenberg, 21, a fighter in the Golani Brigade’s reconnaissance unit, who was killed during a close-range clash with terrorists in southern Lebanon.
Greenberg, from Petah Tikva, is the third Israeli soldier to be killed since the start of the renewed ground operations in southern Lebanon.
According to an initial IDF account, the incident occurred at approximately 2:10 a.m., when Golani Patrol troops identified several Hezbollah operatives in the area where they were conducting operations. The soldiers engaged the terrorists at close quarters. During the exchange of fire, Greenberg was killed, while another fighter was very lightly wounded and did not require evacuation. The remaining troops returned fire, killing several of the attackers. The military said searches are continuing to locate additional terrorists.
In a statement, Petah Tikva Mayor Rami Greenberg paid tribute to the fallen soldier. “Uri was one of the best sons of Petah Tikva, a brave fighter in regular service, who went out to protect us all and never returned,” he said. “The entire city bows its head and unites with his memory.”
“On behalf of the residents of Petah Tikva, I send my deepest condolences to his dear family, and hug you at this difficult time,” the mayor added. “We will always remember him with pride and gratitude.”
The IDF also reported a series of additional incidents over the past 24 hours in Lebanon. Earlier Thursday, the military said 20 soldiers had been wounded in various engagements, including one soldier who was seriously injured by a mortar shell fired at forces operating inside Lebanese territory. In that same incident, an officer and two additional soldiers sustained light injuries.
In a separate overnight incident, a combat officer was moderately wounded by shrapnel from friendly fire and was evacuated for further treatment. Meanwhile, 15 soldiers were hospitalized suffering from hypothermia during operations in southern Lebanon. One was listed in moderate condition, while the others, including an officer, were in mild condition.
The IDF said that on Wednesday, a reservist soldier was also seriously wounded by rocket fire targeting troops in the area. A battalion commander and another soldier were lightly injured in that attack.
All wounded personnel were evacuated to hospitals for treatment, and their families have been notified, the military said.