Who was Ze’ev Erlich, controversial archaeologist killed in Hezbollah ambush?

'Israeli' military announced the death of 71-year-old Ze’ev Erlich, a geologist and reserve soldier, during clashes in southern Lebanon.

Erlich, known for his controversial research, was involved in falsifying archaeological sites in the West Bank to attribute them to Jewish heritage, as part of efforts to distort Palestinian history.

Circumstances of His Death
Erlich was killed alongside three soldiers from the elite Maglan Unit in an ambush by Hezbollah fighters inside an ancient fortress in a southern Lebanese village. The unit’s leader, Colonel Yoav Yarom from the Golani Brigade, sustained moderate injuries during the attack.

Details of the Ambush
The clashes occurred in the operational area of the 'Israeli' army’s 36th Division. The force, believing the area had been cleared of Hezbollah operatives, was caught off guard by two individuals hiding within the fortress who opened fire at close range.

Controversy Over Erlich’s Presence in the Conflict Zone
Erlich’s presence in the combat zone has sparked outrage in Tel Aviv. Hebrew media reported that he entered the high-risk area without official authorization, dressed in military uniform, and carrying a personal weapon.

Yedioth Ahronoth reported that the incident is under internal investigation to determine how an archaeologist was allowed into an active combat zone.

Erlich’s Controversial Legacy
Erlich’s work focused on documenting Palestinian archaeological sites and reassigning them to Jewish history, making him a polarizing figure. He authored numerous publications accused of fabricating historical facts to support the Zionist narrative.

According to Hebrew media, Erlich’s death in southern Lebanon represents a severe blow to the 'Israeli' military, highlighting both intelligence and tactical failures. It also underscores the dangerous realities on the ground in the ongoing confrontations with Hezbollah.