Posted on 06/03/23
| News Source: Arutz-7
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."