Israeli civilian archaeologist Ze’ev “Jabo” Erlich, 71, and Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Sergeant Gur Kehati, 20, were killed on Wednesday during a gun battle with Hezbollah operatives in southern Lebanon. The incident occurred as Erlich, dressed in IDF uniform, entered Lebanon alongside IDF troops to study an ancient site reportedly linked to early Christian history.

Erlich and Kehati were ambushed by Hezbollah operatives near a fortress in the western part of southern Lebanon. Colonel Yoav Yarom, chief of staff of the Golani Brigade, and a company commander from the same battalion were also wounded in the attack. Erlich had reportedly entered the site to investigate claims it was the burial location of Simon the Zealot, one of Jesus’s apostles.

Zeev Ehrlich (Jabo),
a 71-year-old Israeli citizen, fell in southern Lebanon. Ehrlich, a major in the reserves, was one of the founders of the settlement of Ofra. He was also a historian.
🕯️May he be blessed pic.twitter.com/RA0k4HsYTz

— shoko 007 (@SYaacobi) November 20, 2024

Preliminary investigations revealed that Colonel Yarom authorized Erlich’s entry into the area but did not follow proper procedures for allowing civilians to accompany military operations. The IDF later clarified that Erlich’s presence in Lebanon had not been officially approved.

Erlich was an independent historian and archaeologist with a deep focus on Jewish history and the Land of Israel. A resident of the West Bank settlement of Ofra since 1977, he was a founding member of the Ofra Field School and a prominent figure in the settlement movement. Despite lacking formal academic credentials, Erlich published dozens of papers and edited books on archaeological sites in Judea and Samaria.

His research often took him to sensitive and contested regions, including Palestinian-administered areas of the West Bank, where he documented archaeological sites with the support of IDF troops. Reports also suggest he had entered southern Lebanon during previous IDF campaigns against Hezbollah, although details of those visits remain unclear.

Following Erlich’s death, the IDF retroactively recognized him as a major in the reserves, a rare honor for a civilian. His family disputed claims that his entry into Lebanon lacked authorization, stating he had been “conscripted and recognized as a soldier in the field.” Erlich’s brother, Yigal Amitai, described him as “a soldier for all intents and purposes” and defended his involvement in archaeological research in dangerous areas.

The IDF announced multiple investigations into the incident, including one led by IDF Northern Command chief Major General Ori Gordin and another by military police. IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi also appointed a team of experts, led by Major General (Res.) Moti Baruch, to review military discipline and protocols in combat settings.

Since October 1, Israeli ground forces have been engaged in intensified operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. The group, aligned with Iran, has conducted frequent cross-border attacks, and IDF troops have been deployed to prevent incursions.