The IDF on Thursday morning cleared for publication the names of two reserve soldiers who were killed during combat operations in southern Lebanon after a deadly explosion struck an IDF force. Four additional reservists were seriously wounded in the same incident.

The fallen soldiers were identified as Major (Res.) Harel Birenstock, 34, of Nokdim, who served as a company commander in the 2855th Battalion of the 55th Brigade, and Chief Master Sergeant (Res.) Tamir Vaknin, 33, of Eilat, a combat soldier in the same battalion.

The IDF said that four other reserve soldiers sustained serious injuries in the blast. They were evacuated to a hospital for medical treatment, and their families have been informed.

According to the military, the incident took place at approximately 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday in the Majdal Zoun area of southern Lebanon.

The explosion occurred while troops from the brigade combat team were conducting operations to eliminate terrorist infrastructure inside a building. During that mission, a powerful blast killed Birenstock and Vaknin and left four fellow reservists critically injured.

On Wednesday evening, the Gush Etzion Regional Council announced Birenstock’s passing. He was the son of Shlomo and Yonat Birenstock of Neve Daniel and the grandson of Nechama Birenstock of Efrat.

In a statement, the council said, “The Gush Etzion Regional Council announces with deep sorrow the death of Harel Birenstock. We mourn the heavy loss and extend heartfelt condolences to his parents, wife, brothers, sisters, and all the members of the family.”

{Matzav.com}