The IDF announced on Saturday evening that Staff Sgt. Noam Hamburger was killed by an explosive drone strike near the Lebanese border.
Hamburger served as a technology and maintenance soldier in Battalion 9 of the 401st Armored Brigade, the military said. His family has been notified.
During the incident in which Hamburger fell, another IDF soldier was severely wounded, and a non-commissioned officer was lightly wounded.
The wounded soldiers were evacuated to a hospital for medical treatment, and their families were also notified, the IDF said.
PM: Hamburger fought to defend northern communities
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement Saturday night mourning Hamburger's death.
“My wife and I send our heartfelt condolences to the family of Staff Sgt. Noam Hamburger, of blessed memory, who fell near the northern border,” Netanyahu said. “Noam, of blessed memory, from Atlit, fought bravely to defend our communities and citizens against the Hezbollah terrorist organization.”
“On behalf of all the citizens of Israel, we embrace Noam’s family and loved ones and wish a full and speedy recovery to his comrades who were wounded in the difficult incident,” he added. “May his memory be blessed.”
401st Brigade Commander severely wounded
Earlier on Wednesday, 401st Brigade Commander Col. Meir Biderman was severely wounded in an explosive drone strike. The IDF said he would be temporarily replaced by the brigade’s current chief of staff, Col. (res.) H.
In the same incident, a reservist officer was moderately wounded by another explosive drone impact, while a non-commissioned officer was lightly wounded.
In total, at least seven IDF soldiers were wounded by drones on Wednesday.
Biderman’s predecessor, former 401st Brigade commander Col. Ehsan Daxa, was killed in combat in northern Gaza on October 20, 2024. According to a Walla report at the time, Daxa was killed after his tank struck an explosive device.