Two IDF soldiers were killed, and four others were severely injured during a combat mission in southern Lebanon on Wednesday, the military announced in a statement on Thursday morning.
The issued statement identified the fallen soldiers as Major (Res.) Harel Birenstock, aged 34, from Efrat in Gush Etzion, and Chief Master Sergeant (Res.) Tamir Vaknin, aged 33, from Eilat.
Birenstock was married and a father of four, including a six-month-old baby.
The names of the other four injured reservists were not released. However, Rambam Medical Center in Haifa issued a statement later on Thursday morning, stating that the conditions of the injured soldiers remain serious.
Birenstock, and Vaknin were killed during an operation to search sites in the Majdal Zun area that had not previously been inspected by the IDF, according to a Walla report.
During the searches, their squad entered a booby-trapped house, where an explosive device detonated, causing part of the building to collapse. Troops rushed to assist the soldiers trapped beneath the rubble. Birenstock and Vaknin were evacuated along with four other soldiers who were wounded to varying degrees.
'Birenstock, Vaknin were dedicated to reserve duty'
Defense Minister Israel Katz eulogized the two fallen soldiers in a statement posted to X/Twitter on thursday, saying, “On behalf of the entire defense establishment, I extend my deepest condolences to the families of Maj. (Res.) Harel Birenstock, a company commander in Battalion 2855, and Master Sgt. (Res.) Tamir Vaknin, a soldier in Battalion 2855, who fell in battle in southern Lebanon.”
He added: “Harel and Tamir left behind families and full lives, yet they dedicated themselves to reserve duty with commitment, devotion, and a profound sense of mission. They fell while working for the security of the State of Israel and its residents in the North.”
He also expressed support for the families during this difficult time and wished a speedy recovery to the four wounded soldiers.
The Eilat Municipality issued a mourning notice following Vaknin's death, describing him as “one of the finest sons of the city of Eilat.”
“Tamir, of blessed memory, was a hero of Israel, the salt of the earth, who fought bravely to defend the State of Israel. May his memory be a blessing," the statement read.
Gush Etzion Regional Council head Yaron Rosenthal also eulogized Birenstock.
“We mourn the loss of Harel, who grew up in Gush Etzion and made his home here. I send my condolences to his parents, wife, children, brother, sisters, and entire family," Rosenthal's statement read.
He also said his thoughts were with Paratroopers Reserve Brigade, Brigade 55, which he stated had "suffered a heavy blow today."
“Though I am here in the hills of Gush Etzion, my heart is with you in the mountains of Lebanon,” Rosenthal added.
IDF conducts strikes in Lebanon
The IDF said on Wednesday that it had struck Hezbollah targets in response to the terror group’s ceasefire violations.
An additional round of strikes was reported to have been carried out early Thursday morning.