Three IDF Soldiers hsve been Killed in Gaza Tank Explosion and One Seriously Injured

A serious incident occurred Monday afternoon in the northern Gaza Strip when three Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers were killed in an explosion that struck their tank during combat operations in Jabaliya. The fallen soldiers were all members of the 52nd Battalion of the 401st Armored Brigade. An armored officer was also seriously injured in the incident and has been hospitalized for treatment.

The IDF has identified the fallen soldiers as:

• Sergeant Shoham Menachem, 21, from Moshav Yardena

• Sergeant Shlomo Yakir Shram, 20, from Efrat

• Sergeant Yuli Factor, 19, from Rishon LeZion

According to initial IDF assessments, the explosion was likely caused by anti-tank fire, although additional possibilities are still being investigated.

Tributes and Background

The Emek HaMa’ayanot Regional Council paid tribute to Shoham Menachem, describing him as a dedicated fighter who followed in the footsteps of his father, Shmuel Menachem — a former prisoner of war from the Yom Kippur War — by enlisting in the 52nd Battalion and serving as a tank driver.

The Efrat Local Council honored Shlomo Yakir Shram, expressing condolences to his parents, Shaul and Hindi, and his siblings. He is scheduled to be laid to rest at the military cemetery in Kfar Etzion on Tuesday at 10 a.m.

Tal Golan, a close friend of Shram, spoke emotionally about their bond:

“Shlomi was a person of pure gold. He respected everyone and always saw the good in people. Even on my worst days, he knew how to lift me up.”

Rising Casualties in Gaz

The ongoing conflict in Gaza continues to exact a heavy toll on Israeli forces. Since the end of the last ceasefire, 44 soldiers have been killed. Since the war began, 893 soldiers have fallen — including 451 during ground maneuvers in Gaza.

Casualties have sharply increased in recent months:

• March: 0 soldiers killed

• April: 3 killed

• May: 8 killed

• June: 21 killed

• July (mid-month): 13 killed
  In total, 26 IDF soldiers have died in the past month alone.

Additional Fatalities from Recent Fighting

Last Thursday, Captain Rei Biran, 21, from Rosh HaAyin, was killed during a battalion assault in Khan Yunis. Biran, a team commander in the Golani Patrol, died following a powerful explosion near a building targeted for demolition.

A day earlier, Major (Res.) Avraham Azulai, 25, from Yitzhar, was killed during a Hamas ambush in the same area. Terrorists first fired an RPG at Azulai's unit, then emerged from a tunnel in an apparent attempt to kidnap him. Azulai was operating heavy machinery as part of an engineering team tasked with dismantling Hamas infrastructure.

National Mourning and Leadership Response

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation Monday evening, expressing deep sorrow over the losses and reiterating the government’s commitment to the war effort and returning the hostages:

“This is a difficult evening. The entire people of Israel grieve the loss of our heroic fighters. My wife and I extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the full recovery of the wounded.”

“Our soldiers fight with unmatched determination to defeat Hamas and defend Israel. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten. May their memories be blessed.”