IDF Names Reservists Harel Birenstock and Tamir Vaknin Killed in Lebanon Blast

The IDF cleared for publication the names of two reserve paratroopers killed by an explosive device in southern Lebanon on Wednesday. Major (res.) Harel Birenstock, 34, of Nokdim, a company commander in the 55th Brigade's 2855th Battalion, and Chief Master Sergeant (res.) Tamir Vaknin, 33, of Eilat, the company's combat medic, died when a charge detonated as their squad swept a booby-trapped building in Majdal Zoun. Four other reservists were seriously wounded with burns and evacuated to hospitals. The military called the blast a blatant violation of the ceasefire and struck Hezbollah targets in the area in response.