Sergeant Rotem Yanai, 20, from Givat Ada, a noncommissioned officer in the Rotem Battalion in the Givati Brigade, was killed yesterday (Wednesday) by a Hezbollah explosive drone strike on the northern border.
In the incident, a reservist was seriously injured and another reservist was moderately injured.
The incident occurred shortly after 2:00 PM, when Hezbollah launched two explosive drones towards a military area in the area.
Yanai was critically injured by the first drone strike, and a medical team was later forced to declare her dead.
According to the details provided, she was wearing personal protective equipment and on her way to a protected area at the time of the impact. The second drone hit two additional reserve soldiers, seriously and moderately injured. The injured were evacuated to Nahariya Hospital for further medical treatment.
With Rotem's death, the number of casualties since the ceasefire in Lebanon came into effect rises to 12. Eight of them were killed as a result of Hezbollah's use of explosive drones - seven soldiers and a civilian.
The Binyamina-Givat Ada local council expressed great sorrow: "With great sadness and deep pain we announce the death of Sergeant Rotem Yanai, a resident of Givat Ada. Rotem was killed today during an operational activity in the north of the country. Aged 20, she served as a noncommissioned officer in the Rotem Battalion of the Givati Brigade.".
The council paid tribute to her: "Rotem is the daughter of Hilit and Tal, sister of Dor and Aviad. A graduate of the Kramim School, where she expanded the theater and contributed greatly to the school's program and life. She was a beloved activist in the Gefen Branch of the Scout Movement, and in her special way left a mark on her friends and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be remembered as having a sense of humor, self-confidence, a big heart and endless giving, as someone who acted with care and sensitivity for those around her.
""The entire Binyamina-Givaat Ada community bows its head and shares in the unbearable grief of the Yanai family. We embrace the family in their difficult time and send our heartfelt condolences to all family members, friends and acquaintances.".
