The IDF announced Thursday morning the names of two reserve soldiers killed during operational activity in southern Lebanon: Maj. (res.) Harel Birenstock, 34, a company commander from Nokdim, and Chief Master Sgt. (res.) Tamir Vaknin, 33, a fighter from Eilat. Both served in the 55th Paratroopers Reserve Brigade (Battalion 2855).
The IDF cleared for publication Thursday morning the names of two reserve soldiers killed in southern Lebanon combat: Maj. (res.) Harel Birenstock, 34, a company commander from Nokdim, and Chief Master Sgt. (res.) Tamir Vaknin, 33, a combat medic from Eilat. Both served in the 55th Paratroopers Reserve Brigade (Battalion 2855). The two were killed Wednesday when an explosive device detonated in a booby-trapped building in the village of Majdal Zoun. Four other soldiers were seriously wounded in the same incident.
As The Zioneer reported overnight, the incident occurred around 12:00 Wednesday as a force from the 55th Brigade was clearing terror infrastructure. Initial reports of casualties were followed by the IDF's identification of the fallen soldiers. The desk's tribute to Birenstock, published Thursday morning, highlighted his hundreds of reserve days and his role as a beloved father, husband, and commander.
The incident prompted large-scale IDF retaliatory strikes against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, as The Zioneer reported. The IDF is investigating whether the explosives in the building were placed before or after the recent ceasefire understandings took effect, according to The Zioneer's Eye on Zion briefing.
The circumstances of the explosion remain under investigation. The four wounded soldiers were evacuated to a hospital for medical treatment.
9 developments
- DevelopingNames released of two IDF soldiers wounded by explosive device in Jenin this morning
- StrongIDF says one soldier killed, seven wounded by Hezbollah IED in southern Lebanon; Filin named, injuries detailed
- ConfirmedIDF: Five soldiers wounded in second Hezbollah drone strike near Kfar Tebnit overnight
- StrongPresident Herzog mourns two fallen soldiers, hails them as 'heroes of Israel'
Source and signal
- Open-source intake