An IDF soldier was killed overnight Wednesday–Thursday in a firefight with terrorists in southern Lebanon, during a ground operation by the 36th Division to expand the security zone. Thursday morning, the IDF cleared for publication that the fallen soldier was Staff Sgt. Uri Greenberg, 21, of Petah Tikva, is a fighter in the Golani Brigade.
According to an IDF statement, at 2:10 a.m., Golani fighters spotted a number of terrorists in their operational area. A face-to-face firefight then broke out between the forces and the terrorists, during which the soldier was killed. A second soldier was wounded in a manner that did not require evacuation to a hospital.
The forces eliminated some of the terrorists involved in the incident and are continuing to search the area for additional terrorists. In parallel, forces from the 36th Division, in cooperation with the Israeli Air Force, continued striking the area with the aim of destroying terrorist infrastructure and eliminating terrorists.
Rami Greenberg, the mayor of Petah Tikva, wrote with grief: "Uri was among the finest sons of Petah Tikva – a brave soldier in compulsory service who went out to protect all of us and did not return. The entire city bows its head and mourns his memory. The hero Staff Sgt. Uri Greenberg will be brought to rest on Thursday at 4:00 p.m. at Har HaMenuchot in Jerusalem."
Yaron Greenberg spoke about his son: "Uri was a child who overcame every obstacle and every one of his fears. He always pushed himself forward with determination and love, with a good heart – and that is how he also met his death, as they described it to us, charging at the tip of the spear. Two months before his discharge, he was supposed to go on a mission with the Jewish Agency to the United States, working with youth."
He added, "He had an outstanding record. I have the great privilege of being the father of such a son – immense pride. He was simply a hero. He was a child who never cut corners, ever. He excelled in his team and went on to become a non-commissioned officer. He was a staff sergeant, and he excelled in that role."
His younger sister, Noa, said, "From day one, truly. He was my hero. Not just now, after he died – he was always my hero. He was always there for me. Whatever he did, he was always the best in the world at it. In school, he received an excellence award, and he finished his service in Golani with distinction – and even now, in his death."
She added, "He is simply a hero. I want everyone to know that there is no soul as pure as his – there is none, there are no people like that. He was such a special person. This morning at 6 a.m., they came to notify us. My mother screamed. We never thought something like this could happen. Our world has collapsed."
His sister Shir also spoke: "He was also an uncle. He has two young nephews – he was the uncle of Omer and Adam, my children. He used to read them stories, he would lift them high up, and he loved to play with them. They love him so much."
