Five soldiers were killed in northern Gaza, the IDF announced Monday evening.
The soldiers have been named as Captain Yair Yakov Shushan, Staff Sergeant Yahav Hadar, Staff Sergeant Guy Karmiel, Staff Sergeant Yoav Feffer, and Staff Sergeant Aviel Wiseman.
The IDF added that eight other soldiers from the Reconnaissance Battalion of the Nahal Brigade were also wounded in the same incident, which is still being investigated.
Staff Sergeant Yoav Feffer, 19, from Herzliya
Yariv Fisher, the mayor of Herzliya, said, "Yoav Feffer was not just a neighbor; he was an integral part of our community – a young man of values."
"It is difficult to digest the loss. Our city and our community have lost a true hero."
His funeral will take place on Tuesday at the old cemetery in Herzliya, in the military section.
Captain Yair Yakov Shushan, 23, from Ma'alot-Tarshiha
Moti Ben David, the mayor of Ma'alot Tarshiha, said the city was in mourning over Shoshan's death.
"Yair - the hero - grew up and was educated in the city, fought bravely in the war, and even received a certificate of excellence from the Prime Minister and the Chief of Staff last summer during the completion of his officers' course."
"The entire Ma'alot Tarshiha community embraces his family in their difficult time."
Aviel Weissman, 20, from Poriya Illit
The Jordan Valley Regional Council announced the loss of Aviel Weissman, of Poriya, who fell in Gaza.
"Residents of Poriya bow their heads in mourning and grief over the loss of Aviel Weissman, a son of the community, in the 'Swords of Iron' war in Gaza.
Weissman was a graduate of Darca Beit Yerah school.
Staff Sergeant Yahav Hadar, 20, from Kfar Tavor
The Kfar Tavor Local Council expressed "profound sorrow" over the death of St.-Sgt. Hadar and condolences to his parents Avi and Sharon, and his sisters Mai and Lihi.
The local council said that he was active in his youth movement and loved the town and its open spaces, where he often went off-road biking.
His funeral will be on Tuesday at 12 p.m. at the local cemetery.
Staff Sergeant Guy Karmiel, 20, from Gedera
Gedera council member Sahar Revach posted to Facebook that Karmiel was a graduate of the Maccabi Tzair youth movement and said he was an "extraordinary warrior" who "fought bravely and gave his life to protect us all."
"To the Karmiel family - parents Merav and Oren, and sisters Adi and Hila—no words can bring comfort in such a difficult time. I send my condolences and mourn with you. All of Gedera embraces you and shares in your profound sorrow," Revach stated.
Israeli figures express sorrow
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sent his condolences to the families of the five soldiers. "They gave their lives for the security of our country, and the entire people of Israel embrace you and your families in your pain," he wrote on X. He also prayed for a swift recovery for the other soldiers wounded in Gaza.
Since the beginning of the war in October 2023, 840 soldiers have been killed.
In the first 13 days of 2025, 15 soldiers have died. Yair Lapid referenced this in a post on X, saying "It is impossible to describe the pain, the immense loss, the families whose worlds have collapsed, the smiles that have been lost and will never return. "
"Heroes of Israel. Salt of the Earth. My heart is with the families and friends, with the Nahal Brigade."
Diaspora Minister Amichai Chikli said "Each of them is a whole world, family, friends, aspirations and dreams. This is the heavy price of a just war that we must win no matter what."
Yesh Atid MK Meirav Cohen called the loss a "deep well of never-ending pain and sadness."
"Yair, Yahav, Guy, Yoav and Aviel dedicated their lives to defending the State of Israel and fought with extraordinary courage and dedication," said Defense Minister Israel Katz.