Defense Minister Israel Katz commented on the deaths of Corporal Yair Eliyahu and Corporal Asaf Zamir in the Gaza Strip, saying, "It's a difficult day receiving the news about the deaths of Corporal Yair Eliyahu, a combat engineer in the Northern Brigade, and Corporal Asaf Zamir, a tank soldier in the 53rd Battalion, who fell in the Gaza Strip." According to him, "The State of Israel has lost two of its finest sons, young and brave fighters who acted courageously to return the hostages and defeat the Hamas murderers. I send my deepest condolences to their families for this heavy loss."