The Israel Defense Forces on Thursday evening announced the deaths of two more soldiers fighting Hamas in the Gaza Strip. These included Gal Meir Eisenkot, the son of former IDF chief of staff and war cabinet minister Gadi Eisenkot.
The group of servicemen, including Gal Eisenkot, approached an enemy tunnel when a powerful explosion occurred. Gal sustained severe injuries and was transported to the Assuta hospital, where he was pronounced dead. According to Kan 11, Gadi Eisenkot monitored the battle from his son's division command post.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife offered their condolences to Gadi and Hana Eisenkot: "We are devastated by the loss of your son Gal. We stand by you in this moment of profound grief. Gal was a courageous warrior, a true hero. Our hearts go out to your family and the families of all fallen heroes. The government and citizens of Israel mourn with you. Our heroes did not fall in vain. We will continue to fight until victory. We will continue to fight until we win."
Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana tweeted that Gal "fell in battle in Gaza on the first night of Hanukkah and was a Maccabee of our time."
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir shared a photo of Gadi Eisenkot with his son, both in military uniforms, stating that "Gal drew strength from his family to serve the people of Israel."
