"Citizens of Israel. Today we paid another heartbreaking price in our just war for the defense of the homeland. In deep sorrow, in heavy mourning, I bow my head together with all the citizens of Israel and mourn the fall of our heroic warriors: Deputy Company Commander in the Engineering Battalion, Captain Wasim Mahmoud, and other heroic soldiers whose names have not yet been allowed to be published.

The heart breaks into pieces in the face of the enormous loss. The entire nation of Israel hugs the dear families in their difficult time. I strengthen our brave warriors and commanders, who are engaged in the sacred mission of defeating our enemies and returning our hostages.

When the price is so heavy, we will remember what we are fighting for: we are fighting to ensure our existence and our future, we are fighting to return all our abductees.