Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz mourned Sergeant Ahad Yaari, a fighter in the Givati Brigade, and Captain Shahar Gamliel, deputy platoon commander in the “Oz” unit, who were killed in southern Lebanon.
Katz said in a statement: “It is with great sadness that I mourn the fall of Sergeant Ahad Yaari and Captain Shahar Gamliel, who fought in defense of the State of Israel and its residents out of a sense of responsibility, mission, and love of the land.”
He added that “Ahad and Shahar were among the best sons of Israel,” offering his condolences to their families and wishing a full recovery for all the wounded.
Katz stressed that Israeli army forces are continuing their operations in Lebanon against Hezbollah with the aim of “removing threats, protecting the towns of the north, and ensuring the security of the citizens of Israel.”
He pointed out that “the price is heavy and painful,” considering that “the fighters’ determination and heroism in completing the mission is stronger than anything else.”
The Israeli army had previously announced the killing of Sergeant Ahad Yaari during operational activity in Lebanon, and the death of Captain Shahar Gamliel as a result of wounds he sustained in a drone attack.
