The Israel Defense Forces announced Saturday that two soldiers were killed in separate incidents during operations in southern Lebanon, underscoring the continuing dangers facing Israeli forces despite the ceasefire in place along the northern front.
The fallen soldiers were identified as Captain Shahar Gamla, 23, deputy company commander in the Egoz Unit, and Sergeant Ohad Yaari, 21, a soldier in the Shaked Battalion of the Givati Brigade.
With the announcement of their deaths, the number of Israeli military personnel killed since the ceasefire with Lebanon took effect has risen to 18. Since the outbreak of the war on October 7, the total number of fatalities among Israeli security forces stands at 955.
Captain Shahar Gamla Dies Following Drone Strike
Captain Shahar Gamla, from the Golan Heights community of Keshet, was critically wounded on Thursday when an explosive drone struck him during an operational mission in southern Lebanon.
After two days of intensive medical treatment, doctors pronounced him dead from his injuries on Saturday.
Gamla served as deputy company commander in the Egoz Unit, part of the Commando Brigade, and was widely described by military and local leaders as a dedicated officer who served throughout the war.
His family announced that his organs would be donated, allowing others to benefit from lifesaving transplants.
The head of the Golan Regional Council, Uri Kelner, paid tribute to Gamla, saying he fought “with heroism, determination, and a deep sense of mission wherever the State of Israel needed him.”
Sergeant Ohad Yaari Killed During Operational Activity
In a separate incident, Sergeant Ohad Yaari of Rehovot was killed by gunfire while operating with the Shaked Battalion in southern Lebanon.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation, and the Military Police have opened a formal inquiry. The findings will be transferred to military prosecutors upon completion of the investigation.
Yaari is survived by his parents, Naama and David, and his three brothers.
His funeral is scheduled to take place at the military cemetery in Rehovot, where residents have been invited to line the route carrying Israeli flags in tribute.
Rehovot Mayor Matan Dil described the loss as both national and deeply personal, noting his close relationship with the Yaari family.
Continued Threat from Hezbollah Drones
The latest fatalities come amid growing concern within the Israeli military over the effectiveness of explosive drones used by Hezbollah.
Earlier this week, three other soldiers killed in drone-related incidents were laid to rest. Among them was Captain Dr. Uri Yosef Sylvester, a battalion doctor who was killed when two explosive drones struck an armored personnel carrier near the Beaufort area in southern Lebanon.
That attack also left several officers and soldiers seriously wounded.
Additional fatalities in recent days included First Sergeant Adam Sarfati of the Magellan Unit and Sergeant Michael Tyukin of the Givati Reconnaissance Unit, both killed in separate drone attacks.
Northern Front Remains Highly Volatile
The deaths of Gamla and Yaari highlight the persistent risks facing Israeli forces operating in southern Lebanon despite ongoing ceasefire arrangements.
Military officials continue to warn that Hezbollah’s increasing use of drones, precision-guided weapons, and guerrilla tactics poses a significant challenge to troops deployed along the northern border.
As operations continue, the IDF is expanding anti-drone defenses and adapting battlefield tactics in an effort to reduce casualties and counter evolving threats from across the border.
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