Tel Aviv: Amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas militants, another tragic incident has been reported from the Gaza Strip. The son of Israeli Minister Gadi Eisenkot, Master Sgt. (res.) Gal Meir Eisenkot, and Sgt. Major (res.) of the 55th Brigade’s 6623rd Reconnaissance Battalion, Jonathan David Deitch, were killed on Thursday, as reported by the Times of Israel. According to the Israel Defense Force (IDF), 25-year-old Eisenkot was from the 551st Brigade’s 699th Battalion in Herzliya, was killed in northern Gaza.
The IDF added that three other soldiers sustained gruesome injuries and shifted to hospitals for treatment, confirming that Deitch was killed during a gunbattle in the southern Strip. Notably, the deceased soldier’s father, Gadi Eisenkot, is a former IDF chief of staff and is currently serving as a minister in the emergency government on behalf of Benny Gantz’s National Unity party. Eisenkot is also an observer on the high-level war cabinet, which is responsible for leading the decision-making team amid the ongoing war, the daily added.
The IDF stated that Gal Meir Eisenkot was killed following a bomb explosion in a tunnel shaft in northern Gaza’s Jabaliya camp. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
Eisenkot received the news about his son’s death while touring the IDF’s Southern Command along with Benny Gantz on Thursday, the Times of Israel stated in its report.
A total of 89 Israeli soldiers have been killed since the start of the ground offensive in Gaza.
The IDF announced the deaths of Eisenkot and Deitch amid heavy fighting in Gaza, as Israeli troops advanced into major Hamas strongholds in the northern and southern parts of the coastal enclave, The Times of Israel reported.
Politicians and other dignitaries extended their condolences to the minister over the massive loss.
In a statement, Benny Gantz said, “Our hearts are broken. On the eve of Hanukkah, Gal’s candle was extinguished”, referring to the Jewish holiday of lights that begins Thursday evening.
“We are all committed to continue fighting for the sacred mission in whose name Gal fell,” he added.
Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also expressed his condolence, stating that Gal Eisenkot was a brave warrior and true hero.
“Our heroes did not fall for nothing. We will continue until victory,” Israel’s Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said, adding, “May we be worthy of Gal’s sacrifice, and of all those who fell in this just war.”
Speaking about the deceased soldier’s military career, Israel President Isaac Herzog stated that he had “dedicated his whole life to Israel’s security, the IDF and the country, and he and his family are now paying an unbearable price.”
“Gal was educated since his childhood on love for the nation and the homeland and acted in this spirit all the time, including when he was killed,” Herzog added.
“Along with the entire nation, I embrace the bereaved Israeli families, whose sacrifice is heavy and unbearably tough, and pledge: We will continue to guard our people and beloved country, for them and ourselves,” the President said.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid also spoke about the shiny military careers of Gadi Eisenkot and Gal Meir Eisenkot. Sharing a picture of Gadi and Gal Eisenkot, he wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “The two of them answer the call, show up when they are needed, do what they need to do. The fate of an entire country in one embrace.”