Four young Israeli officers were killed when their Hummer struck an IED in Rafah; communities in Samaria and across Israel grieve their loss while vowing to continue building and defending the land.
The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit confirmed on Wednesday that four Israeli soldiers were killed in Rafah after their Hummer struck an explosive device during routine operations on the Philadelphi Route.
The fallen are:
- Major Omri Chai Ben Moshe (26), from Tzafria
- Lieutenant Ron Arieli (20), from Hadera
- Lieutenant Eitan Avner Ben Itzhak (22), from Har Bracha
- Lieutenant Eran Shelem (23), from Ramat Yohanan
A cadet from the Officers’ Training School was critically wounded and rushed to hospital, while two additional cadets sustained injuries. Initial investigations suggest Hamas terrorists may have combined sniper fire with the IED detonation.
Samaria Governor Yossi Dagan, a relative of Lt. Eitan Ben Itzhak, delivered a heart-wrenching eulogy:
“Eitan grew up in a value-driven, Zionist family, a Torah scholar and frontline fighter. He and Atara, his beloved wife, built their home in Har Bracha with faith and strength. Our hearts break for the youth, for the family that should have flourished—but now will not.”
The Har Bracha community also issued a statement of unity:
“We share in the grief of Atara, married only two months ago. We stand with her and the Steinbach family, rooted in our land, raising eight children with devotion. We will embrace them in love, strength, and faith.”
These young officers—patriots, husbands, scholars, and defenders of Israel—gave their lives so the Jewish people can live in security. Their sacrifice is a reminder of the high price Israel pays to defend itself against Hamas barbarism.
Israel mourns, but it does not bend. From Har Bracha to every corner of the country, their legacy strengthens the nation’s resolve to build, defend, and prevail.
