Two Israeli Soldiers Killed in Combat Operation in South Lebanon

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that two soldiers were killed during a combat operation in South Lebanon on the evening prior to the announcement. Lieutenant Colonel Harel Birnstok, 34, from Nokdim and commander of a company in Battalion 2855 of the 55th Paratroopers Brigade (Hod HaHanit), died in the fighting. Additionally, Reserve Captain Tamir Vaknin, 33, from Eilat and a soldier in the same battalion and brigade, also fell in combat. The incident also resulted in four reservist soldiers being seriously wounded. They were evacuated for medical treatment, and their families have been notified.