JERUSALEM (VINnews) BDE: Staff Sergeant Noam Hamburger, 23, from Atlit, a technology and maintenance combat soldier in Battalion 9 of the 401st Armored Brigade (“Iron Tracks” Division), was killed during operational activity in northern Israel.

In the same incident in which Staff Sgt. Hamburger was killed, one IDF soldier was seriously wounded and a non-commissioned officer sustained light injuries. The soldiers were evacuated to a hospital for medical treatment, and their families were notified.

According to the military investigation, Hezbollah launched two explosive drones toward the “Biranit” outpost, an IDF base located between Kibbutz Sasa and Moshav Netu’a, about one kilometer from the Lebanese border inside Israeli territory. The attack occurred shortly after 2:00 p.m.

The first drone struck the outpost, killing Noam Hamburger. Two additional soldiers were wounded, one seriously and one moderately, and were evacuated to the Galilee Medical Center for treatment. The second drone strike caused no casualties.

Noam had been scheduled to complete his military service in another month. He is survived by his parents and three younger sisters.

His mother, Liat, said through tears: “Our dear Noam will be laid to rest tomorrow. We are now traveling from our home in Atlit to say goodbye. Noam was our eldest son. He was gentle and kind, truly a great gift to any mother. He always had a big smile. He was an outstanding student and loved learning. He loved his family and his many friends. We still cannot process this tragedy.”

She added: “We had plans. After he wished us a happy Shavuot holiday, we planned to visit him the next day with foods he loved, for him and his friends. He didn’t answer us, and we had a feeling that something had happened, and then they informed us of the terrible disaster that struck us.”

“We still cannot comprehend it. It is a terrible tragedy. His father and I are so proud of him. He was about to be discharged soon and had so many plans. His sisters — 21-year-old Roni and the 18-year-old twins Adi and Yuval — are struggling, like the rest of the family, to absorb this terrible loss. It is simply unimaginable. Our Noam, with his huge heart, his heart of gold, will never return.”

Earlier, Hof HaCarmel Regional Council head Asif Izak also paid tribute: “Hof HaCarmel lost one of its finest sons today. Noam grew up and was educated here, as did his younger sisters. He was a talented and promising young man who served as a combat soldier throughout the war. His death leaves a tremendous void in the heart of the entire community. We will stand beside the family throughout this journey.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also issued a statement: “My wife and I send our heartfelt condolences to the family of Staff Sgt. Noam Hamburger, of blessed memory, who fell near the northern border. Noam, from Atlit, fought bravely to defend our communities and citizens against the Hezbollah terrorist organization. On behalf of all the citizens of Israel, we embrace Noam’s family and loved ones and wish a speedy and full recovery to his comrades wounded in the difficult incident. May his memory be blessed.”