Military Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir has dismissed Colonel Yoav Yarom from reserve duty following a deadly incident in southern Lebanon in November 2024. The operation, which resulted in the deaths of Sergeant Gur Kehati and civilian researcher Ze'ev Erlich, was deemed a 'grave operational failure' by Zamir, who cited broader cultural and operational issues within the military that need to be addressed.

An internal investigation found serious flaws in Yarom's conduct, including poor preparation and the unauthorized entry of a civilian into a combat zone. Although a criminal probe was closed earlier this month, Yarom will face severe disciplinary action and a command reprimand. The incident occurred during an Israeli offensive against Hezbollah, when Yarom led Erlich and soldiers into a medieval fortress, where they were ambushed by Hezbollah operatives.

Yarom, who was wounded in the attack, had requested to resign and accepted responsibility for the incident. The decision to close the criminal case has left the family of the fallen soldier in shock and frustration.