Son of Israeli war cabinet minister killed by Hamas in Gaza
His father serves as a minister in the current emergency government as Israel continues its war with Hamas
The son of a war cabinet minister in Israel has died while fighting Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli Defense Forces have confirmed.
Gal Meir Eisenkot, 25, of the 551st Brigade’s 699th Battalion, from Herzliya, is the son of former chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot. He is now a minister in the current emergency government.
Mr Eisenkot received the news while he was visiting the IDF’s Southern Command alongside National Unity party leader Benny Gantz.
The IDF also confirmed the death of Sgt Maj Jonathan David Deitch, 34, of the 55th Brigade’s 6623rd Reconnaissance Battalion.
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Mr Gantz reacted to the news, saying: "While touring the headquarters of the 162nd Division, we received bad news, Gal, the son of my friend Gadi Eisenkot, fell in battle. Gal did not hesitate and reported for reserve duty for the nation which he was educated to love and which he loved with every fiber of his soul.
"Together with the rest of the people of Israel, I send support to Gadi and his family, and a big hug. We are all committed to continue fighting for the holy objective for which Gal fell."
Israeli President Isaac Herzog eulogized: "Michal and I lament, mourn, and are pained with the mourning of Gadi and Chana Eisenkot on the death of their son Gal in battle in the Gaza Strip.
"Gadi told me more than once about Gal, who was the landscape of his family - moral, strived for excellence, and loved everyone. Gadi gave his entire life for Israel's security, the IDF, and the state, and today he and his family paid an unbearable price."
