IDF names two soldiers killed in southern Lebanon combat, four wounded in same incident

The fallen soldiers served in the 55th Paratroopers Reserve Brigade (Battalion 2855). Maj. Harel Birnstock, 34, was a resident of the community of Nokdim in Judea and Samaria. He is survived by his wife and children. Chief Master Sgt. Tamir Vaknin served as a combat medic within the same unit. The military had previously reported the deaths on Wednesday but withheld the identities pending the completion of family notifications.

Operational Context

The incident occurred during ongoing operational activity in the northern sector, where the 55th Brigade has been engaged in neutralizing terror infrastructure. According to reports from the Gush Etzion Regional Council, Maj. Birnstock was a company commander who led his troops in high-intensity missions. The engagement that claimed the lives of Birnstock and Vaknin also resulted in severe injuries to four other soldiers from the same company.

Community Response

Yaron Rosenthal, head of the Gush Etzion Regional Council, eulogized Maj. Birnstock, noting that he grew up in the region and established his home there. Rosenthal extended support to the families and to the soldiers of the 55th Brigade, which has faced significant challenges during the current operations in Lebanon. The IDF continues to conduct its mission to secure Israel's northern border and dismantle threats to civilian centers.