Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu paid tribute to Staff Sgt. Maj. (res.) Alex Filin, who was killed by an explosive device in southern Lebanon. Netanyahu said Filin was "filled with a sense of mission, Zionism and immense love for Israel."
He noted that Filin immigrated alone to Israel from Ukraine, enlisted in the Nahal infantry brigade, and later reported for reserve duty. According to Netanyahu, Filin served in order to defend Israel and the residents of the north with courage.
The remarks came after Filin was killed in the southern Lebanon blast, underscoring the Israeli military toll of the fighting on the northern front.