IDF Soldier Yosef Yehuda Hirak, 22, Killed in Northern Gaza During Operation "Gideon's Chariots"

The IDF announced late Monday night the death of Sergeant Yosef Yehuda Hirak, 22, a soldier in the 601st Engineering Battalion, who fell in battle in the northern Gaza Strip during an ongoing military operation named Gideon's Chariots.

Hirak, a resident of the Harsha settlement in the Binyamin region, is the first soldier to fall in the framework of this operation. Two other soldiers were lightly wounded in the same incident, which is currently under investigation. Since the start of the war, the number of IDF soldiers killed has risen to 857.

Sergeant Hirak is survived by his wife, Emunah, whom he married just seven months ago, his parents, and three sisters. He was also the son-in-law of Yehuda Eliyahu, the Director General of the Settlement Administration at the Ministry of Defense.

The Binyamin Regional Council paid tribute to Hirak, highlighting his character and commitment to the country. Council head Yisrael Gantz said, “Only a few months ago we danced together at Yosef Yehuda's wedding, and now we have been informed of his fall in battle. He went out to fight to destroy the enemy. Together with his beloved Emunah, he built a house full of dedication that has now been realized.”

Gantz offered condolences to Yehuda Eliyahu, a former CEO of the council, saying, “With God’s help, we will rise from this rift and fulfill his ambition to destroy the enemy who rose up against us.”

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett also expressed his sorrow: “I share in the grief of the Hirak family and of my friend Yehuda Eliyahu. My heart is broken. What a happy and kind face. Let us remember that Yosef Yehuda, of blessed memory, fell for our existence as a Jewish state in the Land of Israel.”

Further details surrounding the incident leading to Hirak’s death have not yet been released. The IDF continues to investigate.