The IDF on Motzaei Shabbos cleared for publication the names of two soldiers who lost their lives in southern Lebanon: Capt. Shachar Gamla, who succumbed to wounds sustained in combat, and Sgt. Ohad Yaari, who was killed during an operational incident that is now under investigation.

Capt. Shachar Gamla, 23, of Natur in the Golan Heights, served as deputy company commander in the elite Egoz Unit of the Commando Brigade. The IDF announced that he died from severe injuries suffered during fighting in southern Lebanon.

Sgt. Ohad Yaari, 21, of Rechovot, was a combat soldier in the Shaked Battalion of the Givati Brigade. He was killed during operational activity in southern Lebanon.

According to the IDF, Gamla was critically wounded on Thursday when a Hezbollah explosive drone struck forces operating in southern Lebanon. News of his serious condition emerged shortly before Shabbos, as doctors fought to save his life. Despite extensive medical efforts, he passed away on Shabbos, and his family was subsequently notified.

The Golan Regional Council issued a statement mourning the loss of one of its sons. “It is with great sorrow that we announce the fall in battle in Lebanon of Capt. Shachar Gamla, of blessed memory, from Natur, an officer in the Egoz reconnaissance unit. Shachar, 24, was the son of Yishai and Leah (Leah’leh), director of the Children and Youth Department at the Golan Community Center, and the older brother of Rotem and Nitzan. He was severely wounded in battle on the night between Thursday and Friday, and sadly passed away from his injuries this morning.”

The council added that “Shachar’s roots were planted deep in the soil of the Golan that he loved.” It continued: “At this difficult hour, the Golan community embraces Leah’leh, Yishai and the children, the extended family in Moshav Keshet, and the community of Natur. The council and all of the Golan salute the soldiers of the IDF who continue, even during these days, to defend the State of Israel. We hope and daven for good news and besuros tovos for all of Klal Yisroel.”

Meanwhile, details emerged regarding the death of Sgt. Yaari. According to initial reports, he was killed Friday afternoon at approximately 1:00 p.m. after being struck by a bullet discharged from a fellow soldier’s weapon in the village of Kfar Zutar al-Sharqiya in southern Lebanon.

The incident reportedly occurred inside a building being used as the forward command post of the Givati Brigade commander, from where the brigade’s operations in the area were being directed.

Military officials said the circumstances surrounding the accidental discharge remain under investigation. The Military Police Criminal Investigation Division has opened a probe, and its findings will be forwarded to military prosecutors upon completion.

Defense Minister Israel Katz paid tribute to the two fallen soldiers, saying: “With deep sorrow I mourn the fall of Sgt. Ohad Yaari, a fighter in the Givati Brigade, and Capt. Shachar Gamla, deputy company commander in the Egoz Unit, who fell in southern Lebanon.

“Ohad and Shachar, among the finest of our sons, fought to defend the State of Israel and its citizens with a profound sense of mission, responsibility and love of the land. I send my heartfelt condolences to their dear families, embrace them in this difficult hour, and pray for the complete recovery of all those wounded, in body and spirit.

“IDF soldiers continue at this very hour to operate courageously in Lebanon against the Hezbollah terrorist organization in order to eliminate threats, protect the communities of the north, and ensure the security of Israel’s citizens. The price is heavy and painful, but the determination and heroism of our soldiers to complete the mission is stronger than anything. May the memories of Ohad and Shachar be a blessing.”

{Matzav.com}