Three IDF soldiers were killed over Shabbat (the Sabbath) in two incidents on the Israel-Egypt border. Israeli officials of all levels sent their condolences to the families of the fallen. Several parties are demanding a thorough investigation of the incident.
President Isaac Herzog commented: "Such a sad Saturday. We were horrified by the news of the death of three IDF soldiers in this morning's incidents at the Egyptian border. There are no words to describe the pain and loss. Along with the entire nation, I send my sincere condolences to their families and share in their mourning at this difficult time. We will preserve their memory and continue to defend our borders with determination."
Prime Minister Netanyahu commented: "The fatal incident at the Egyptian border during Shabbat is serious and unusual and will be thoroughly investigated. I would like to praise our forces who strived to make contact and eliminate the terrorist. Together with the entire people of Israel, I wish to share in the grief of the families and wish the wounded a speedy recovery. Our hearts go out to the families with deepest sympathy."
Kan reports that ministers were instructed by the Prime Minister's Office to say that the events were an unusual occurrence that does not represent Israel's relations with Egypt.
At the request of the Egyptian government, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant (Likud) spoke with Egypt's Defense Minister Ahmed Zaki. Minister Gallant expressed his appreciation for the Egyptian Defense Minister's commitment to a joint investigation of the details of the incident. The two agreed to continue the direct relationship between them, to prevent terrorist incidents in the future and to strengthen the relationship between the countries.
IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi held an investigation of the attack and commented: "We are investigating the incident in a thorough and in-depth manner, together with the Egyptian army, and we will draw the necessary lessons. This is a serious incident, in which three IDF soldiers, some of our best sons and daughters, fell during an operational activity to maintain security. The men and women fulfilled their role and prevented further damage to the Israeli forces. My condolences to their families."
Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir (Otzma Yehudit) commented: "This was a difficult Shabbat. Three soldiers who left home to defend the State of Israel were killed during their operational activities, by a vile murderer. Together with all the citizens of Israel, we are pained by their tragic deaths and send our condolences to the family members who lost their dearest of all. The people of Israel love you, embrace you, weep with you, and share your pain."
Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana (Likud) commented, "I would like to send my condolences from the bottom of my heart to the families of the fallen who fell defending the state in an incident at the Egyptian border. The entire nation of Israel grieves your loss, embraces you, and shares in your sorrow. May their souls receive eternal life. In this difficult time, I would also like to strengthen the brothers and sisters in arms of the fallen who continue to protect the safety and security of the citizens of Israel and the borders of the country. The people of Israel love you."
Likud MK Danny Danon, who sits on the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, commented: "The soldiers were murdered while defending the borders of the homeland. As Channel 12 News journalist Tamir Steinman reported, the soldiers in their sector warned that the rules of engagement do not allow them to shoot at smugglers. The rules of engagement against terrorists and armed smugglers must change immediately. Legal quibbles hamper the soldiers who defend the homeland and exact too high a price. We must put an end to this."
MK Benny Gantz (National Unity) commented: "At this difficult time, I would like to send my condolences from the bottom of my heart to the families of the soldiers killed this morning in operational activity in the south of the country. Three soldiers who carried out their mission to maintain the sovereignty of the State of Israel and the security of its citizens. We all mourn their fall and embrace the families. Even in these difficult moments, we know that the security and strategic cooperation with Egypt is essential for both countries and the entire region and has resulted in the saving of many human lives over the years. I am sure that the commanders of the IDF and the heads of the security establishment are conducting a thorough and in-depth investigation and will draw lessons accordingly."
MK Hili Tropper commented: "The heart breaks with the news of the fall of three soldiers who dreamed of serving in combat and meaningful service and fell as warriors while fulfilling their duty and defending the country. My heart goes out to the families in these difficult times. There are no words to comfort them in these moments."