David Libi, 19, Killed in Gaza by Explosive Device While Operating for Ministry of Defense

David Libi, a 19-year-old from the Hava Mitzpe Michal outpost in the West Bank, was killed on Thursday after stepping on an explosive device in the northern Gaza Strip. Libi, an engineering equipment operator working for the Ministry of Defense through a private contractor, is the third non-enlisted civilian contractor to die in Gaza since the start of the war.

Libi was employed through Libi Construction and Infrastructure, a company owned by his father, Eliav Libi. The company was recently sanctioned by the UK over its activity in West Bank outposts.

He is survived by his parents, Eliav and Sarah, and seven siblings. His funeral was scheduled for noon at the Malachi Hashalom outpost, where he was raised.

Third Civilian Contractor Killed in Gaza

Libi’s death follows the earlier fatalities of Liron Yitzhak, who was killed by mortar fire in May 2024, and Kobi Avitan, who was mistakenly shot by IDF forces in January. Neither was officially recognized as an IDF casualty. Yitzhak’s family has since petitioned Israel’s High Court of Justice for recognition.

The Ministry of Defense has stated that Libi, like other civilian contractors working in combat zones, will be recognized as a victim of hostilities, but not as an IDF soldier. His family, however, has expressed no objection to this designation.

"The title doesn’t matter to us," said his uncle, Didi Livi. “We say he was a fighter for the Land of Israel and the people of Israel. That’s what counts.”

A Life Devoted to Building and Defending the Land

Libi, described by loved ones as kind-hearted, modest, and hardworking, chose to contribute to Israel’s defense despite not serving in the military due to health reasons. Instead, he joined a team of excavator operators working in Gaza on behalf of the IDF, involved in expanding security zones and demolishing enemy infrastructure.

“He didn’t like to study; he loved to build, to plant, and to fix things,” his uncle recalled. “He started with bikes, then cars, then tractors. He was always helping.”

His grandfather, Rabbi Yaakov Livi, described him as someone who deeply wanted to defend the country:

“David was a soldier of the Land of Israel who loved what he did. God wanted him.”

Tributes from Family and Friends

At his funeral, Shahar Sibilia, a friend of Libi’s, described him as a symbol of courage, humility, and Zionist pioneering:

“David grew up to be a brave young man, devoted to his family and the vision of redemption and rebuilding the land. His fall, on the machine he used both to build and to defend the country, symbolizes the essence of his life.”

He added:

“David’s light, his modest smile, his big heart—these are things that will never be forgotten.”

Context: Rising Toll in Gaza

Libi's death brings the total number of casualties officially reported since the war’s onset to 858, including 415 soldiers killed in Gaza. Since the resumption of fighting following Israel’s decision to violate the ceasefire agreement with Hamas, nine soldiers and one Border Guard officer have been killed—along with Libi.