#Lebanon / Colonial mindset

A 71-year-old Israeli settler and researcher was killed Wednesday during an unauthorized “archaeological expedition” with #IDF forces in southern Lebanon.

Ze’ev (Zhabu) Arlich, a resident of Ofra settlement in the occupied West Bank, entered Lebanese territory with an IDF colonel to examine an ancient fortress approximately 6 kilometers from the border, military officials confirmed. The incident occurred when two Hezbollah fighters opened fire on the pair, killing Arlich and wounding the officer.

Military sources described the civilian's presence as "severe and improper," noting that Arlich had entered the combat zone without required authorizations. The incident has prompted an IDF investigation, particularly into reports that this wasn't Arlich's first unauthorized entry into Lebanese territory for archaeological research during the current conflict.

Arlich, known for his research in the occupied West Bank where he resided in the Ofra settlement - considered illegal under international law - was posthumously recognized as an IDF casualty despite entering Lebanon as a civilian.

#Hebrew ynet.co.il/news/article/b1lt7a…

@academicchatter
@israel
@palestine
#IsraelOccupation
#IsraelWarCrimes

מחדל בלבנון: זאב חנוך ארליך, בן 70, הצטרף לכוח צה"ל - ונהרג בהיתקלות, יחד עם לוחם

"ז'אבו", חוקר ידוע של ארץ ישראל, נהרג בהיתקלות עם מחבלי חיזבאללה - בעת שבדק מבצר עתיק. לוחם ששמו טרם הותר לפרסום נהרג, לוחם נוסף נפצע קשה וקצין בכיר במיל' בינוני.

^{יואב זיתון, אלישע בן קימון (ynet)}