Three IDF soldiers were killed in battle in Gaza, the IDF cleared for publication this evening. They have been identified as Staff Sergeant Shoham Menahem, aged 21, from Yardena, Sergeant Shlomo Yakir Shrem, aged 20, from Efrat, and Sergeant Yuliy Faktor, aged 19, from Rishon LeZion.

In the incident in which the three soldiers fell, an officer in the 52nd Armored Corps Battalion, 401st Brigade was severely injured.

The officer was evacuated to a hospital to receive medical treatment and his family has been notified.

The incident occurred on Monday afternoon during an offensive by the 162nd Division on Jabaliya. For a reason that has yet to be investigated by the IDF, a large explosion occurred in the soldiers' Merkava tank. According to one report, a malfunction caused a tank round to explode inside the turret.

The Efrat municipality stated: "Shlomo was a tank crewman in the 401st Brigade, the son of Shaul and Hindi, residents of Rimon. Our hearts go out to his family in their difficult time and we send our condolences to his parents, sister and two brothers. The members of the council will be by the side of the family and will accompany them hand in hand on their difficult and painful journey."

The municipality stated that it wished to accompany him on his final journey with Israeli flags on the sides of the road.

Shlomo Shrem will be laid to rest tomorrow at 10 a.m. at the military cemetery in Kfar Etzion. The funeral will be held at the family home at 4 Ma'ale Ya'ara Street in Efrat.