Major Harnik fell alongside several comrades as a Golani reconnaissance force he commanded advanced toward the northern section of the Beaufort fortress to complete its capture. The battle had already exacted a heavy toll when reconnaissance company commander Moshe Kaplinsky was severely wounded. Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi, then serving in a senior field position, ordered Harnik to join the force, assume command, and complete the mission. Harnik and a fellow fighter named Goldman reached a particularly well-fortified position where a PLO gunman had taken cover. Goldman immediately threw an explosive charge into the fortified position, destroying it and the fighter inside.