Two Israeli Soldiers Killed in Southern Lebanon Blast

Maj. Harel Birnshtok, of blessed memory, 34, from the community of Nokdim, and Master Sgt. Tamir Vaknin, of blessed memory, 33, from Eilat, were killed yesterday (Wednesday) during an operational mission in southern Lebanon, after an explosive device detonated on an IDF force that entered a building in the Majdal Zoun area. Four additional soldiers were seriously wounded in the devastating incident. Following the event, the IDF launched strikes against targets in southern Lebanon.

According to the initial investigation, a report of the incident was received around noon, after a force from Brigade 55 entered a building as part of an operation to clear the area and destroy terrorist infrastructure. As the force entered the building, an explosive device planted there detonated and struck the soldiers.

In the early stages of the incident, it was reported that four soldiers had been seriously wounded. During searches conducted inside the building, the two fallen soldiers, Maj. Birnshtok and Master Sgt. Vaknin, were located. The IDF is continuing to examine the circumstances of the explosion, and at this stage it is still unclear whether it was a recently planted device or an old device that had already been there.

In response to the incident, Division 91 struck a series of targets in southern Lebanon, including weapons depots and command centers. At the same time, the IDF Spokesperson released a statement accusing Hezbollah of violating the ceasefire and warning local residents of additional strikes.

Maj. Harel Birnshtok is survived by his wife and children. Following his death, Gush Etzion Regional Council head Yaron Rosenthal issued a mourning statement in his memory. He said, "We mourn the loss of Harel, who grew up in Gush Etzion and made his home here, and extend our condolences to his parents, his wife, his children, his brothers, his sisters, and his entire family. I also send an embrace and strength to my friends in the reserve Paratroopers Brigade (Brigade 55), which suffered a devastating blow today. I am here in the hills of Gush Etzion, and my heart is with you in the mountains of Lebanon. I love you all very much."

The Eilat Municipality mourned Master Sgt. Tamir Vaknin, of blessed memory: "One of Eilat's finest sons, a member of a deeply rooted Eilat family, the son of Shimon and Katerina, and brother to David and Yoav. A graduate of Eilat's education system. He attended the Rabin High School. A hero of Israel, the salt of the earth, who fought courageously to defend the State of Israel. May his memory be a blessing."

The municipality noted that his funeral will take place today, Thursday, at 7:00 p.m. in the military section of the Eilat cemetery. Beginning at 6:00 p.m., the municipality will distribute Israeli flags at the entrance to the cemetery.

Mayor Eli Lankri mourned him: "We received with great pain the bitter news of the death of Tamir, of blessed memory, one of the city's finest sons. Eilat bows its head, mourns the loss, and holds the dear family tightly during this unbearable time."