By 5 Towns Central Staff

MAJDAL ZOUN, LEBANON (August 6, 2026) – The IDF has identified the two reserve soldiers killed during operations in southern Lebanon as Sgt. Maj. (res.) Tamir Vaknin HY”D 33, of Eilat, and Maj. (res.) Harel Birenstock HY”D 34, a company commander from Nokdim.

According to the military’s initial investigation, the incident occurred around midday Wednesday in the village of Majdal Zoun. Reserve forces were operating in the area to dismantle Hezbollah infrastructure when they entered a building that contained an explosive device. The blast killed the two soldiers and seriously wounded four others.

The injured troops were evacuated to hospitals in Israel, and their families were promptly notified. In response to the attack, the Israeli Air Force carried out strikes against Hezbollah targets in the surrounding area.

Rambam Health Care Campus later reported encouraging news on the condition of the wounded soldiers. Hospital officials said all four remain in serious condition but are now medically stable, B’chasdei hashem.

One of the reservists has regained consciousness and is able to communicate with family members. The other three remain sedated and on ventilators as they continue to receive intensive medical treatment.

May the memories of Tamir and Harel be L’Bercaha, and may the wounded soldiers be granted a complete and speedy recovery.

Besuros Tovos.