Harel Birnstock
Major Harel Birnstock (34) was an IDF company commander in the 55th Paratroopers Reserve Brigade and a resident of Nokdim who fell in combat during operational activity in southern Lebanon in August 2026.
Major Harel Birnstock was a career officer and company commander in the Israel Defense Forces, serving in the 55th Paratroopers Reserve Brigade (Battalion 2855). A resident of Nokdim, a community in the Gush Etzion region of Judea, Birnstock represented the leadership within the religious-Zionist and regional communities that has stood at the forefront of Israel's security challenges. On Thursday, August 6, 2026, the Gush Etzion Regional Council and military sources confirmed his death in combat during operations in southern Lebanon. Birnstock was 34 years old at the time of his fall. As a company commander, he led troops in high-intensity operations aimed at neutralizing terror threats along Israel's northern border. The incident in which he fell also claimed the life of Chief Master Sgt. Tamir Vaknin, a combat medic in his unit, and resulted in serious injuries to four other soldiers. Reports indicate the casualties occurred during an explosion in a booby-trapped house, an incident currently under investigation to determine if the explosives were placed before or after the recent ceasefire took effect. Birnstock was the son of Shlomo and Yonat from Neve Daniel and the grandson of Nechama Birnstock of Efrat. He is survived by his wife and children. His sacrifice is part of the broader national effort to restore security and sovereignty to Israel's northern communities. He is remembered by his community as a man of deep values and a committed defender of the nation. Defense Minister Israel Katz mourned his loss, noting that Birnstock and his comrades repeatedly reported for reserve duty with commitment and devotion.