An Israeli soldier was killed in combat in southern Lebanon on Tuesday, the military said, raising the number of Israeli troops killed in the latest operation against Hezbollah to 21. The soldier was identified as Major Itamar Sapir, a 27 year old deputy company commander in the reservist 551st Brigade.

Israel began its ground and air offensive in Lebanon after the Iran backed armed group Hezbollah launched rockets in response to strikes by Israel and the United States on its ally. The cross border fighting has intensified in recent weeks.

According to Lebanese authorities, Israeli strikes on Lebanon have killed more than 3,000 people since March 2. In addition to the 21 soldiers killed, one Israeli civilian contractor has also died during the conflict.