This morning (Friday), the IDF announced the deaths of: Corporal Yishai Elyakim Urbach, age 20, from Zikhron Ya’akov, a combat engineer with Battalion 605, Barak Formation and Staff Sergeant Yam Frid, age 21, from the community of Sal’it, a combat soldier in the Golani Reconnaissance Unit, Golani Brigade.
Both were killed in battle during operations in southern Gaza.
In the incident in which Cpl. Urbach fell, two additional soldiers from Battalion 605 were wounded, one seriously and one moderately.
In the incident involving Sgt. Frid, a Golani Recon officer, another officer, and a soldier from Battalion 605 were seriously injured. A Golani reservist was also moderately wounded.
We Will Not Forget His Legacy
In the Samaria town of Sal’it, mourners eulogized Staff Sgt. Frid, who is survived by his parents Keren and Itzik, and his brothers Yahli and Din.
Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria Regional Council, said: “Yam was a hero who fought so that we could live here in safety. We will not forget his legacy, and we will do everything to protect our home.”
In Zikhron Ya’akov, the community mourned Cpl. Urbach, who is survived by his wife Yuval, parents Noam and Efrat, and four siblings: Maya, Yoel, Pri, and Micha. His funeral will take place today at 1:00 PM in the military section of the Zikhron Ya’akov cemetery.
The Incident That Claimed the Life of Cpl. Yishai Elyakim Urbach
During a mission to locate a tunnel shaft, engineers from Battalion 605 entered a building in the Jenina neighborhood of Rafah.
Terrorists fired an RPG (rocket-propelled grenade) at the structure, which collapsed on the soldiers and Cpl. Urbach was killed. Two additional soldiers were wounded — one seriously, one moderately.
The Incident That Claimed the Life of Staff Sgt. Yam Frid
During a raid on a structure near an IDF Namer APC, terrorists fired an anti-tank missile at forces from the Golani Reconnaissance Unit and Battalion 605, Staff Sgt. Frid was killed and four soldiers were wounded — three seriously, one moderately.
Among the wounded were two officers, one from Golani Recon and one from Battalion 605. Details of the incident are still under investigation and have not yet been fully verified.
