One of the three Givati soldiers who died in clashes with Hamas early Wednesday morning has been identified as Matan Ovdati, 19, of Moshav Patish, 19, in the Negev. He was promoted to sergeant posthumously. Funeral arrangements have not been announced.

Army troops killed four Hamas terrorists in addition to another who was eliminated Tuesday night. The Givati troops were attacked by anti-tank rockets in heavy gunfire near Kibbutz Be'eri, located in the western Negev and next to the Gaza separation barrier. The soldiers crossed the barrier in order to carry out arrest of suspected terrorists.