Background
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have identified two of its soldiers who tragically lost their lives in the recent defensive operations in Gaza. These brave men were part of different units, committed to securing Israeli communities and dismantling terrorist infrastructure.
What Happened
On Saturday morning, 21-year-old Sgt. Shalom Menachem from Bet El, who served with the Engineering Corps, was killed when an Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) was hit by an explosive device in Rafah. This horrific incident claimed the lives of his two close friends from yeshiva, Yakir Levi and Eliyahu Moshe Zimbalist, as they returned from a nighttime security operation.
In a separate incident, Staff Sergeant Tzur Avraham, aged 22, from Modi’in, succumbed to injuries incurred while conducting crucial search operations for Hamas tunnel networks in Rafah. One of the tunnel shafts was lethally booby-trapped, causing a devastating explosion that also severely injured a reservist officer.
Why It Matters
The loss of these courageous soldiers underscores the ongoing threat posed by terrorist organizations such as Hamas, who use sophisticated tunneling operations to undermine Israel’s security. Both incidents highlight the critical importance of the IDF’s efforts to neutralize these threats and protect Israeli lives.
Community and IDF Reactions
Sgt. Menachem is survived by his parents, seven siblings, and his twin brother, who also serves in a combat unit. Menachem’s family has deep-rooted connections in Bet El, with grandparents being founding members of the settlement.
Beit El’s Mayor Shai Alon expressed collective grief and resilience, stating, “The pain is unbearable. He died as a hero fighting a war for our survival. Our hearts are with his family.”
Gallery
Sgt. Shalom Menachem & Staff Sgt. Tzur Avraham (Photo: IDF Spokesperson’s Unit)
A Hamas tunnel recently uncovered in Rafah (Photo: IDF Spokesperson’s Unit)
This story was first published on ynetnews.com.