IDF Clears for Publication: Capt. Shahar Gamla and Sgt. Ohad Yaari Killed in Lebanon

The IDF Spokesperson cleared for publication this evening (*Shabbat*) that Capt. Shahar Gamla, a 24-year-old officer in the Egoz commando unit, died this morning of wounds he sustained after being critically injured during fighting in Lebanon on the night between Thursday and Friday. It was also cleared for publication that  Sgt. Ohad Yaari, 21, a fighter in the Givati Brigade and a resident of Rehovot, was killed in southern Lebanon.

In a statement published by the Golan Regional Council, it was said that Gamla is survived by his parents, Yishai and Leah, who manages the children and youth department at the Golan Community Center, and his younger siblings, Rotem and ניצן. According to the council’s statement, Shahar was critically injured during the battle, and after a fight for his life, he died of his wounds this morning. In the Golan community, they emphasized the deep connection he had to the area where he grew up. “Shahar’s roots are planted deep in the soil of the Golan that he loved,” the statement said.

The Golan Regional Council added: “At this difficult hour, the Golan community embraces Laheleh, Yishai and the children, the extended family in Moshav Keshet, and the community of Natur. The council and all of the Golan salute the male and female IDF soldiers who continue, even in these days, to defend the state. With hope and prayer for good news and glad tidings for all the people of Israel.” The funeral of Capt. Shahar Gamla, of blessed memory, will take place tomorrow in Moshav Keshet. Details of the funeral and the *shivah* will be published later.

The Rehovot municipality announced the death of city resident Sgt. Ohad Yaari, of blessed memory, a fighter in the Shaked Battalion who was killed during operations in Lebanon. The municipality said the entire city bows its head upon receiving the painful news and expressed deep sympathy for the family’s grief.

Yaari, of blessed memory, is survived by his parents, Naama and David, and three siblings. Following the announcement of his death, the municipality published a condolence message to the family and expressed solidarity with their pain during this difficult time.

The municipality wrote: “Dear Yaari family, together with all the residents of Rehovot, we embrace you in your hardest hour, share in your heavy sorrow, and send you heartfelt condolences.”

The funeral of Ohad Yaari, of blessed memory, will take place tomorrow, Sunday, at 12:00 p.m. at the military cemetery in Rehovot. The municipality called on the broader public to come and accompany the soldier on his final journey.

Defense Minister Israel Katz eulogized: "“With deep sorrow, I grieve the deaths of Sgt. Ohad Yaari, a fighter in the Givati Brigade, and Capt. Shahar Gamla, deputy company commander in the Egoz unit, who fell in southern Lebanon. Ohad and Shahar, among the best of our sons, fought to defend the State of Israel and its residents, out of a sense of mission, responsibility, and love of the land".

"I send my heartfelt condolences to the dear families, embrace them in their difficult hour, and pray for the full recovery of all the wounded, in body and in spirit. IDF soldiers continue even at this hour to operate forcefully in Lebanon against the Hezbollah terrorist organization in order to remove threats, protect the northern communities, and ensure the safety of Israel’s citizens. The price is heavy and painful, and alongside that, the determination and bravery of our soldiers to complete the mission are stronger than anything. May the memory of Ohad and Shahar be a blessing".