Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed condolences for the deaths of Corporal Yair Eliyahu and Corporal Asaf Zamir in the Gaza Strip, saying "On behalf of all Israeli citizens, my wife and I send heartfelt condolences to the families of Corporal Yair Eliyahu and Corporal Asaf Zamir, who fell in battles in the Gaza Strip." According to him, "The heart of the entire nation aches for the loss of our soldiers who fought bravely in the campaign to defeat Hamas and free our hostages. The entire nation embraces the dear families in their time of heavy grief."