Severe incident in Lebanon: Israel Katz demands answers on why troops entered booby-trapped building
The Northern Command is investigating the deaths of two IDF soldiers who were killed after entering a booby-trapped building in southern Lebanon. Defense Minister Israel Katz has ordered stricter adherence to protocols, emphasizing that his policy prioritizes the destruction of terrorist structures over ground entry.
It was learned by Walla on Thursday that following the explosion in a building in southern Lebanon, which resulted in the deaths of Major (res.) Harel Birnstock and Sergeant Major (res.) Tamir Vaknin and left four others seriously wounded, Defense Minister Israel Katz demanded an explanation as to why the soldiers entered the building. The Minister has requested stricter instructions, emphasizing that his policy is the destruction of terrorist structures rather than entering them.
The Northern Command continues to investigate the incident, during which a force from the 55th Reserve Brigade entered the booby-trapped building. The investigation is focusing on the reason for the entry and whether the building clearance protocol was followed, which includes scanning by an Oketz unit dog, ground robots, drones, the use of volume charges, or tank fire.
During the height of guerrilla warfare in the Gaza Strip, Hamas used surveillance cameras in selected buildings to monitor IDF activity, detonating explosives upon the soldiers' entry. The Chief of Staff subsequently tightened procedures, emphasizing that entry without necessity is prohibited and that any operational entry must follow a strict safety protocol.
The IDF is currently concerned that Hezbollah may attempt to booby-trap additional buildings in southern Lebanon within villages under IDF operational control, aiming to disrupt negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, which contradicts the current strategy of Hezbollah and Iran.
The two soldiers fell during a search for new sites in the area. Upon entering the booby-trapped house, an explosive device was triggered, causing part of the structure to collapse. Forces rushed to provide aid and evacuated the casualties.
Following the incident, the Air Force, directed by the Northern Command's fire complex and the 91st Division, struck targets in the area.
Defense Minister Israel Katz eulogized the fallen soldiers:
"On behalf of the entire defense establishment, I send heartfelt condolences to the families of Major (res.) Harel Birnstock, a company commander in the 2855th Battalion, and of Sergeant Major (res.) Tamir Vaknin, a soldier in the 2855th Battalion, who fell in battle in southern Lebanon."
Katz added, "Harel and Tamir reported for reserve duty with commitment and a deep sense of mission, and fell while acting for the security of the State of Israel and the residents of the North." He also wished a speedy recovery to the four wounded soldiers.
