Eight Israeli soldiers were killed in action during an offensive in southern Lebanon, the Israeli military confirmed on Wednesday. The soldiers, engaged in combat with Hezbollah forces, marked the first casualties since the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) crossed the border earlier this week as part of ongoing military operations .
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers, describing them as "heroes" and emphasising the unity and resilience of the Israeli people. "I send my heartfelt condolences to the families of our heroes who fell today in Lebanon," Netanyahu said. "Their names will be honored, and their sacrifice will not be forgotten. May their memories be blessed."
Netanyahu framed the conflict as part of a larger struggle against what he referred to as " Iran's axis of evil ," vowing to defend Israel against external threats. "We are in the midst of a fierce war against Iran's axis of evil, which seeks to destroy us. This will not happen—because we will stand together, and with God's help, we will prevail," he declared.
The prime minister also reaffirmed his commitment to the return of abducted Israelis and ensuring national security. "We will bring back our abductees from the south, restore safety to our residents in the north, and secure the future of Israel."
The soldiers who lost their lives in the operation were identified as Captain Eitan Itzhak Oster, Captain Harel Etinger, Captain Itai Ariel Giat, Sergeant First Class Noam Barzilay, Sergeant First Class Or Mantzur, Sergeant First Class Nazaar Itkin, Staff Sergeant Almken Terefe, and Staff Sergeant Ido Broyer.
Their bravery and sacrifice have left the nation in mourning. May their memories be a blessing.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers, describing them as "heroes" and emphasising the unity and resilience of the Israeli people. "I send my heartfelt condolences to the families of our heroes who fell today in Lebanon," Netanyahu said. "Their names will be honored, and their sacrifice will not be forgotten. May their memories be blessed."
Netanyahu framed the conflict as part of a larger struggle against what he referred to as " Iran's axis of evil ," vowing to defend Israel against external threats. "We are in the midst of a fierce war against Iran's axis of evil, which seeks to destroy us. This will not happen—because we will stand together, and with God's help, we will prevail," he declared.
The prime minister also reaffirmed his commitment to the return of abducted Israelis and ensuring national security. "We will bring back our abductees from the south, restore safety to our residents in the north, and secure the future of Israel."
The soldiers who lost their lives in the operation were identified as Captain Eitan Itzhak Oster, Captain Harel Etinger, Captain Itai Ariel Giat, Sergeant First Class Noam Barzilay, Sergeant First Class Or Mantzur, Sergeant First Class Nazaar Itkin, Staff Sergeant Almken Terefe, and Staff Sergeant Ido Broyer.
Their bravery and sacrifice have left the nation in mourning. May their memories be a blessing.
