Israeli settler killed in Lebanon after entering with army escort

An Israeli settler from the occupied West Bank settlement of Ofra was killed in southern Lebanon during clashes with Hezbollah fighters. He had entered the area under the escort of an Israeli army unit.  

Zeev Ehrlich, 71, was a provocative figure who, in 2012, drew attention for touring archaeological sites in Palestinian villages with military protection, sparking criticism from Peace Now.  

“The army's conduct is outrageous, violates proper protocols, and unnecessarily endangers soldiers' lives," the group said at the time. "Once again, a small group of extremist settlers manages to drag the Israeli army into political missions and secure close protection for every whim of an individual settler."