IDF Officer Harel Birnstok Killed in Lebanon, Laid to Rest on Mount Herzl

Reserve Lieutenant Colonel Harel Birnstok, 34, a company commander in the 2855th Battalion of the IDF's 55th Paratroopers Brigade, was killed during a military operation in Lebanon. Birnstok, a married father of four including a six-month-old infant, died on Wednesday during a search mission for new sites in the area. His unit entered a booby-trapped house, triggering an explosive device that caused part of the structure to collapse. Rescue teams evacuated Birnstok, Reserve Major Tamir Kanin, and four other soldiers who were seriously injured.

Birnstok's funeral took place on Thursday at 12:00 PM on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem. The head of the Gush Etzion Regional Council, Yaron Rosenthal, expressed sorrow over Birnstok's death, highlighting his deep ties to Gush Etzion and extending condolences to his family and comrades in the 55th Brigade. Birnstok's friend, Michael Tomer, remembered him as a devoted father and engineer at Elbit who put everything aside to serve when called. Tomer shared that Birnstok had messaged him the morning of the operation, indicating he was entering active duty, but did not receive Tomer's last message after the incident.

The IDF confirmed the elimination of a Hamas terrorist involved in the killing of Romi Gonen and Bnoa Marziano, underscoring ongoing security efforts. Birnstok's death marks a significant loss for the IDF and his community, with tributes emphasizing his dedication and sacrifice.