IDF Chief Visits Family of Officer Killed by Hezbollah in Southern Lebanon

IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir paid a visit to the family of Lt.-Col. Dor Gedalia Ben Simhon, a fallen officer who commanded the 52nd Battalion. Ben Simhon was killed in southern Lebanon. Zamir met with Ben Simhon's parents, his widow Ariella, and his five brothers, all of whom have served or are currently serving as combat soldiers. Ariella herself is an officer in the Northern Command. Ben Simhon's previous role included serving as a top aide to former IDF Northern Command chief Maj.-Gen. Ori Gordin. His death marks a significant loss, as he was the fourth commander of the 401st Armored Brigade's 52nd Battalion to be killed or wounded since the October 7 attacks. The IDF Chief of Staff frequently speaks with the families of soldiers who have fallen or been injured, but this particular visit was noted as an unusual event, underscoring the impact of Ben Simhon's death. The visit occurred on Sunday, June 21, 2026.

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Zamir regularly speaks about the fallen and wounded soldiers, including at a conference in Jerusalem last week, and tries to speak to many families, but visiting the home of Ben Simhon's family was an unusual event.