America News Agency

In his statement, Netanyahu said that Major (Res.) Harel Birnshtok and Master Sergeant (Res.) Tamir Vaknin, who were killed during fighting in southern Lebanon, were among Israel's finest sons. "As brave warriors, they answered the call to reserve duty and fought heroically to protect the residents of the north and the State of Israel," he said.

Netanyahu extended his condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and wished a speedy recovery to those wounded in the same incident. "May the memory of our heroes be blessed and live forever in the heart of the nation," he said.