The IDF on Friday morning released the names of two soldiers who fell in battle in Rafah’s al-Jeninah in the southern Gaza Strip on Thursday.

Sgt. Yishai Elyakim Urbach, 20, from Zichron Ya’acov, was a soldier in the Combat Engineering Corps’ 605th Battalion.

Staff Sgt. Yam Frid, 21, from Sal’it, was a soldier in the Golani Brigade’s reconnaissance unit.

Three other soldiers from the 605th Combat Engineering Battalion were wounded during the two battles — one seriously in the incident that killed Urbach, and two others in the incident that killed Frid, the military confirmed.

Two other soldiers in the Golani Reconnaissance Battalion were also injured in the incident that killed Frid, according to Walla.

IDF troops operate in the Gaza Strip, May 6, 2025; illustrative. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)
IDF troops operate in the Gaza Strip, May 6, 2025; illustrative. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)
Urbach was killed during a search for a Hamas terror tunnel inside a building, and Frid was killed two hours later when his armored vehicle was hit by an explosive device, Walla said. Urbach was killed by a rocket-propelled grenade, according to a report by Ynet.

The three injured soldiers were evacuated to the hospital for medical treatment, and their families were notified of their status, the military said.

Mourning the fallen soldiers 

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reacted, stating that “my wife and I mourn along with all the citizens of Israel.”

The soldiers “fell defending the country in the war for our existence,” and “their heroism and courage will be etched in our hearts forever,” he said.

Defense Minister Israel Katz expressed his sorrow, saying he “grieves the loss of two of the best sons of this country.”

Katz also sent his “deepest condolences” to the fallen soldiers’ families and sent his best wishes for the recovery of the injured Combat Engineering soldiers.

The Zichron Ya’acov Local Council stated that Urbach is survived by his wife, parents, and four siblings. Ynet reported that Urbach and his wife were newlyweds, having married only two months ago.