IDF probes suspected negligence after officer killed in Humvee accident in southern Lebanon

The IDF is investigating allegations that commanders in the Combat Engineering Corps' 603rd Battalion and the 7th Brigade failed to follow operational procedures during an accident in Lebanon last Thursday that killed Capt. Eliav Haim Tzapalamus, 21, from Haifa.

Tzapalamus's family said Sunday morning that their son might have been saved had military procedures been followed.

According to the family, only one Humvee was sent on the mission, despite operational orders requiring at least two vehicles to travel together in Lebanese territory.

The family claims that after the Humvee overturned, Tzapalamus remained trapped beneath it for approximately 20 to 30 minutes. The other soldiers, who were injured in the accident, were unable to call for help because the radio communication system had stopped working.

The soldiers also struggled to turn the overturned vehicle upright, which the family believes contributed to Tzapalamus's death.

His relatives maintain that a second vehicle could have allowed the soldiers to summon help sooner, right the Humvee more quickly, and provide lifesaving medical treatment.

The IDF's Northern Command is investigating the circumstances of the accident, including whether the force complied with operational orders governing vehicle movements in Lebanon.

IDF examines what caused Humvee to overturn

Maariv has learned that the Humvee was heading toward Israeli territory to transport soldiers when the accident occurred.

The vehicle overturned on a road near the Litani River in the eastern sector of southern Lebanon.

Although the road is paved in the area where the accident occurred, the route presents several driving challenges, including steep descents, winding sections, sharp inclines, and stretches of damaged or unpaved road.

The IDF is examining what caused the Humvee to overturn, particularly given that the vehicle is designed to maintain strong traction on both paved roads and rough terrain.

Preliminary findings suggest that the driver had undergone the required training and was experienced in operating the vehicle.

Investigators also believe the Humvee was traveling at a reasonable speed, although they are examining whether it was moving too quickly for the road conditions along the section where the accident occurred.

Investigators are also examining whether a rock on the road caused the driver to lose control, leading the Humvee to overturn onto its right side.

Three other IDF soldiers were lightly wounded in the accident. They were evacuated to a hospital for medical treatment, and their families were notified.

In a separate incident earlier that day, two soldiers were lightly wounded following the improper use of ammunition.

Katz pays tribute to fallen officer

Defense Minister Israel Katz paid tribute to Tzapalamus following his death.

"At this difficult time, my heart is with the family of the late Capt. Eliav Haim Tzapalamus, a combat officer in the 7th Brigade, who fell during operational activity in southern Lebanon," Katz said. "On behalf of the entire defense establishment, I share in the family's profound grief and offer strength to his commanders and comrades."

"I wish a speedy and full recovery to the soldiers wounded in this difficult incident. May his memory be blessed."

The IDF offered its condolences and support to Tzapalamus' family.

"The IDF shares in the sorrow of the bereaved family and the wounded and will continue to support them," it said. "The matter is under investigation and has not yet been presented to the bereaved family. Once the investigation is concluded, its findings will be presented to the family with full transparency."