President Isaac Herzog visits families of fallen soldiers in Eilat

President Isaac Herzog and his wife Michal paid condolence visits today in Eilat to the families of Sergeant Major (res.) Tamir Vaknin and Sergeant Nahorai Laiser, who fell in battles in southern Lebanon.

During the visits, the President and his wife spoke with the family members, heard stories of their loved ones' heroism, and expressed their deep pain on behalf of the entire people of Israel.

Sergeant Major (res.) Tamir Vaknin, a combat medic in the 55th Reserve Paratrooper Brigade, fell alongside company commander Major Harel Birenstock during an explosive device blast in the village of Majdal Zoun. Four other soldiers were seriously wounded.

Initial investigations indicate that the reserve force, securing engineering operations, entered a booby-trapped building that exploded upon entry. The IDF Northern Command has launched an in-depth investigation into the circumstances of the incident.

Tamir was a member of a deep-rooted Eilat family, the son of Shimon and Katalina, and a graduate of the Rabin High School.

Sergeant Nahorai Laiser, 19, of the 601st Combat Engineering Battalion (401st 'Iron Tracks' Brigade), fell in southern Lebanon after being hit by an explosive drone. Another soldier was seriously wounded in the attack.

Laiser was educated in Eilat, attending Tali Harei Eilat elementary school and Goldwater High School. He enlisted in the Combat Engineering Corps, finishing basic training in November. A talented youth, he was active in the 'Diller' youth movement and the school theater program.