The IDF authorized Thursday the publication of the name of Sergeant Gur Kahati, 20, from Moshav Nir Banim, killed during a skirmish in South Lebanon. This fighter from the 13th Battalion of the Golani Brigade fell in the same ambush that cost the life of civilian Zeev (Zabo) Hanoch Erlich. The incident occurred when a unit led by Golani Brigade Chief of Staff, Reserve Lieutenant Colonel Yoav Yarom, entered an area of operation of the brigade. The group accompanied Erlich, who wanted to study an archaeological site. Two militants hiding in a fortress opened fire on them.
Erlich, 71, from Ofra, although a civilian, wore a uniform and was armed. Lieutenant Colonel Yarom was moderately injured. Although Erlich was not a reservist, the IDF chief of personnel decided to recognize him as killed in action. “This is a serious incident. Erlich's entry as a civilian did not follow the required approval process. The incident is under investigation and will be dealt with disciplinaryly,” an IDF spokesperson said.
Separately, the army also announced the death of reserve master sergeant Roi Sasson, 21, from Mevasseret Zion, killed during a clash with militants in Beit Lahia, in northern Gaza. Sasson served in the Nachshon Battalion of the Kfir Brigade.
“Since the start of the war, he was in the combat zones, but there was a bad feeling about Gaza. He went there voluntarily and with joy, really happy to defend his country,” his mother Osnat testified on the public radio Kan Reshet B. She added that Uri received a citation for bravery during the fighting in Lebanon.
The total number of Israeli soldiers killed since the start of the war now stands at 803.
