Two Israeli Reservists Killed in South Lebanon Bombing During Operation

Two Israeli reservists, Major Harel Birnstok and Staff Sergeant Tamir Kinin, were killed on Wednesday in a roadside bomb explosion during a military operation in southern Lebanon. Birnstok, 34, from Nokedim, served as a company commander in the 2855th Battalion of the 55th Paratroopers Brigade and left behind a wife and four children. Kinin, 33, from Eilat, was a combat medic in the same battalion and is survived by his parents and two brothers. Four other reservists were wounded and evacuated to Rambam Hospital in Haifa for treatment.

Friends and family mourned the two soldiers, highlighting their dedication to reserve duty despite personal and professional challenges. Michael Tomer, a close friend of Birnstok, described him as a "winner at heart" who devoted the last three years entirely to reserve service while balancing family life and his engineering job at Elbit Systems. Tomer recalled their recent conversations and Birnstok's commitment to continuing service.

Kinin's brother Yoav praised his brother's central role and warmth within the unit, noting that since October 7, Kinin repeatedly answered the call to reserve duty without hesitation. Yoav mentioned that although reserve service affected Tamir's career plans, including a potential job opportunity in the United States, he felt compelled to serve.

The fatal incident occurred during a mission to clear a booby-trapped building in the village of Majdal Zun in southern Lebanon. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are investigating the circumstances, including when the explosive was placed and whether Hezbollah militants, aware of the troops' presence, triggered it. Following the explosion, the IDF launched retaliatory strikes against Hezbollah targets, including weapons depots and operational apartments, citing a blatant ceasefire violation by the group.