Israel war: Israeli-American dual citizen reservist killed in Hezbollah strike
Gabrielle M. Etzel
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Israel Defense Forces reported Saturday morning that an Israeli reservist with dual American citizenship was killed on Thursday by an anti-tank missile fired from Lebanon.
Staff. Sgt. Omer Balva, 22, was born to Israeli parents and grew up in Rockville, Maryland. The Times of Israel reported that Balva attended the Charles E. Smith Jewish day school in Rockville.
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Balva was one of the 360,000 Israeli reservists called to arms after Palestinian Islamic terrorist group Hamas stormed Israel on Oct. 7. Balva flew from the U.S. to report for duty last week.
IDF engaged in a skirmish with Hezbollah along Israel’s northern border with Lebanon after the Iranian-backed militant group fired anti-tank guided missiles into Israel’s Margaliot and Hanita areas. IDF reportedly responded with drone strikes.
Attacks from Hezbollah have become more frequent, increasing concerns of a northern invasion of Israel. These speculations have also contributed to the delay in the IDF’s ground invasion of Gaza.
“The IDF is ready for all scenarios in the various sectors and will continue to act for the security of Israeli citizens,” a military spokesperson told Fox News.
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“Hezbollah has decided to participate in the fighting; we are exacting a heavy price from it,” Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told troops on the Israel-Lebanon border on Saturday, adding that they need to be ready to spring into action at a moment’s notice.
More than 1,400 people Israeli civilians have been killed since Hamas launched its offensive earlier this month. As of Friday, the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry reported 4,137 Palestinian deaths.