The IDF announced Thursday morning, according to a military source, that Maj. Harel Birnstock, a company commander, and Staff Sgt. Tamir Vaknin, a combat medic, were killed during operational activity of Battalion 2855. Four other soldiers were wounded in the incident. The military has notified the families.
The IDF confirmed early Thursday that Maj. Harel Birnstock, a company commander, and Staff Sgt. Tamir Vaknin, a combat medic, were killed during operational activity of Battalion 2855. Four other soldiers were wounded in the incident. The military has notified the families.
The announcement follows earlier reports Wednesday evening. At 22:54 Jerusalem, the Gush Etzion Regional Council announced the death of Maj. Birnstock, 34, from Nokdim, who fell in combat in Lebanon. Shortly afterward, council head Yaron Rosenthal eulogized Birnstock and offered condolences to the family, stating that the reserve Paratroopers Brigade (55th) had suffered a heavy blow. Reports also identified the second fallen soldier, Staff Sgt. Tamir Vaknin, a combat medic. The IDF's official clearance for publication now confirms the full casualty count.
The Zioneer published a topic page for Maj. Birnstock on Wednesday evening following the initial reports. A separate bulletin covered the eulogy by the Gush Etzion council head. The incident occurred during operational activity in Lebanon, adding to the ongoing toll of IDF operations in the northern sector.
The exact location of the incident was not specified in the announcement. The condition of the wounded soldiers was not detailed.
4 developments
- DevelopingGush Etzion announces: Maj. Harel Birnstock, 34, killed in Lebanon combat
- StrongIDF says one soldier killed, seven wounded by Hezbollah IED in southern Lebanon; Filin named, injuries detailed
- DevelopingTwo IDF Soldiers Killed, Four Wounded in Southern Lebanon Incidents
- StrongIDF names two soldiers killed in separate southern Lebanon operations Saturday
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