Community leaders and politicians across the political spectrum mourned the three soldiers, St.-Sgt. Omer Van Gelder, St.-Sgt. Lior Steinberg, and St.-Sgt. Ofek Barhana, killed in northern Gaza on Tuesday.
"Omer enlisted two months before the war started; he has actually been in continuous combat since the beginning of his service," Gelder's mother, Tehila, told Ynet.
"At my home, the door has been left open for 603 days so the officers wouldn’t have to knock on my door. Even yesterday, the door was open. The officers came to the house and informed us of what we had feared so much since Omer enlisted.”
Ma'ale Adumim Mayor Guy Yifrach said that Omer studied at Amit Eitan School, loved Israel, and "gave his life for the people and the land" through volunteering from a young age.
"On behalf of all the residents of Ma’ale Adumim—we embrace the family and will support them in every step and every need," Yifrach said.
Petah Tikva Mayor Rami Greenberg said that Steinberg was "one of the best sons of Petah Tikva - a brave fighter, a beloved person who went out to defend us all and did not return."
"We will always remember Lior with pride and gratitude," Greenberg said.
Yavne Mayor Roei Gabay said that Barhana was a graduate of Yavne's public education system and a former basketball player for Elitzur Yavne B.C.
"On my behalf and on behalf of the residents of the city—we extend a comforting embrace to Ofek’s family. Our hearts are with you in this difficult time. No words can truly console you," Gabay concluded.
Condolences from the coalition
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement that the three fell in pursuit of the defeat of Hamas and the liberation of the hostages. He said that the bravery of the three soldiers will forever be honored, adding, “May their memory be blessed and held in the heart of the nation.”
Defense Minister Israel Katz sent the families of the killed soldiers his "deepest condolences" and wished a speedy recovery to the wounded troops in a post on X/Twitter.
בצער רב אני מרכין ראש על נפילתם של סמ"ר ליאור שטיינברג, סמ"ר אופק ברהנה וסמ"ר עומר ואן גלדר, לוחמי חטיבת גבעתי שנפלו בקרב בצפון רצועת עזה.אני מבקש לחבק את משפחותיהם ושולח להן תנחומים מעומק הלב.מבקש לשלוח איחולי החלמה לפצועים.לוחמי צה"ל, בסדיר ובמילואים, נלחמים בגבורה למען… pic.twitter.com/FqRewQTOOX
— ישראל כ”ץ Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) June 3, 2025
"IDF soldiers, both in regular service and in reserve duty, are fighting bravely for the release of the hostages and the defeat of Hamas. I pray for their safety and their success," Katz said.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir (Otzma Yehudit) said in a Facebook post that this was a painful morning. “I send condolences and a big hug to the dear families and friends, and I join all of Israel in praying for the recovery of the wounded,” he said.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich (RZP) said the three soldiers were “brave-hearted warriors who fell defending the homeland,” in an X post.
“The soldiers, with their big smiles, enter the hearts of all who see them. Their heroism is what enables the continued existence of the State of Israel,” he continued, adding that “We will, God willing, continue their mission.”
Education Minister Yoav Kisch (Likud) also expressed his condolences on X, calling the morning painful and the news bitter.
Opposition MKs express condolences
Opposition leader and Yesh Atid head Yair Lapid called the morning difficult, and said, “There is no heart that did not break this morning” on X.
ביקורו של שר החוץ האיראני בקהיר והדיבורים על שיתופי פעולה הם איתות אזהרה. במשך חודשים ממשלת ישראל, בעידוד ומימון קטארי, מנהלת קמפיין אנטי-מצרי שמערער את הסכמי השלום. להתנהגות הזו יש מחיר והיא מסוכנת. הסכמי השלום עם מצרים הם נכס איסטרטגי של ישראל והממשלה הבאה תיאלץ לפעול מהר…
— יאיר לפיד - Yair Lapid (@yairlapid) June 3, 2025
“I share in the grief of the families in their difficult hour and wish a speedy recovery to the wounded,” Lapid said.
Yisrael Beytenu chair Avigdor Liberman said on X, "It is unacceptable that soldiers risk their lives while others dodge service with exemptions and shady deals."
"The draft-dodging government undermines the security of the state. We will not give up on conscription for all,” Liberman concluded, without mentioning the names of the killed soldiers. Democrats chair Yair Golan called each of the killed soldiers “a world unto themselves,” and expressed condolences to the families, friends, and communities also on X.
The three soldiers were killed in Jabalya when the Hummer vehicle they were riding in was damaged after it hit an explosive device.