An IDF soldier was killed in a gun battle with Hezbollah terrorists in southern Lebanon overnight Wednesday, the IDF announced on Thursday morning.

Another soldier was lightly injured in the incident.

The soldier was identified as Staff Sgt. Ori Greenberg, H’yd, 21, from Petach Tikvah. He served in the Golani Brigade’s Reconnaissance Unit.

The IDF soldiers killed some of the terrorists they encountered and are continuing searches for the others.

Earlier Thursday morning, the IDF announced that an IDF soldier was seriously injured on Wednesday evening from mortar fire directed at soldiers in Lebanon. Another soldier and an officer were lightly injured in the same attack.

Overnight Wednesday, an IDF officer was moderately wounded by friendly fire in southern Lebanon, and another officer and 13 soldiers were evacuated to the hospital after suffering from hypothermia.

As IDF forces expand their presence in parts of southern Lebanon, military officials warn that incoming fire is likely to intensify. For now, though, most of the attacks have been launched from afar, with only limited direct clashes between troops and Hezbollah terrorists.

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)