An initial IDF investigation revealed that a force led by Golani Brigade Chief of Staff Brig. Gen. Yoav Yarom entered an archaeological site – an ancient fortress – where two terrorists were hiding. The terrorists opened fire, killing Erlich and another soldier, whose name has not been made public. An officer was seriously injured in the incident.

Erlich, an expert on the history and geography of the Land of Israel, was a prominent researcher who had published dozens of studies and lectured at various colleges. Despite not being an active soldier, he entered the combat zone in an IDF uniform and was armed.

The IDF has stated that Erlich’s entry into the battlefield was not properly authorized and will be thoroughly investigated. The head of the IDF Personnel Directorate has decided to recognize Erlich as an IDF casualty.

Head of Binyamin Regional Council Israel Ganz eulogized Erlich as a symbol of knowledge and love for the land, noting that “thousands of land enthusiasts have been and will be influenced by his research and insights.”

Head of Gush Etzion Council Yaron Rosenthal shared a statement saying, “My heart still refuses to believe this great tragedy. Jabo was from the founding generation of tour guides and researchers of Judea and Samaria. Our generation followed him and drank in his words with thirst. For many long years, he guided, researched, and with unusual curiosity, always tried to reach every corner and explore every archaeological site.”

“I have not met many Land of Israel experts who have such passion and love the land so completely,” Rosenthal said.

The Judea and Samaria Regional Council called Erlich “one of the pillars of settlement and a founding father of research into geography, archaeology, and Jewish history in Judea and Samaria.” The statement also mentions that for many years, Erlich “volunteered and greatly assisted fighters in various sectors by helping them understand and navigate villages and sites.

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