IDF Officers Harel Birnstok and Tamir Kkanin Killed in South Lebanon Clash
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the deaths of Major Harel Birnstok and Reserve Lieutenant Colonel Tamir Kkanin during a combat incident in southern Lebanon. The incident occurred during a search operation for new sites in the Nahal Saluki area, where the unit entered a booby-trapped house. An explosive device detonated, causing part of the structure to collapse on the soldiers. Rescue teams quickly evacuated Birnstok, Kkanin, and four other wounded soldiers with varying injuries.
Major Harel Birnstok, 34, was a resident of Efrat in the Gush Etzion bloc, married with four children, including a six-month-old infant. Yaron Rosenthal, head of the Gush Etzion Regional Council, expressed deep sorrow over Birnstok's death, extending condolences to his family and support to the paratroopers' reserve brigade 55, which suffered a significant loss.
The IDF spokesperson authorized the publication of the officers' names on Thursday morning. The incident highlights ongoing risks faced by Israeli forces conducting operations in southern Lebanon. Further details about the operation or the condition of the other wounded soldiers have not been disclosed yet.
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