Fallen IDF hero in Gaza battle gone wrong awarded posthumous military award

Lt. Col. M. was killed in action during an undercover operation in Gaza that neutralized seven terrorists.

By World Israel News Staff

In a special ceremony, ”Lt. Col. M.” of the IDF Special Operations Forces in the Military Intelligence Directorate, was posthumously awarded the Chief of the General Staff Citation for his actions in the special operation in Khan Yunis, Gaza.

On November 11, 2018, Lt. Col. M  heroically died in a firefight with Hamas terrorists. According to reports, the incident occurred deep in the Gaza Strip as Lt. Col. M together with an IDF special forces team went on a mission to either kill or capture a senior Hamas terrorist. Although driving in a civilian vehicle, the Israeli team was identified and engaged by the terrorists.

After the incident, IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot said that the “the IDF owes Lt. Col. M more than we can say.”

During the ceremony held at the hero’s home, IDF Chief of the General Staff, Lt. Gen. Aviv Kohavi gave tribute to his fallen comrade.

”I knew M. from the days when he was a young officer in the Paratrooper’s Brigade. Alongside his many talents, he was a humble man, a forthright man, an honest man, a man with whom what you saw was what you got.

“The operation in which he was killed was part of an event that could have ended much worse. He made a decision, thanks to which he managed to protect, defend and create the proper conditions to prevent us from descending into a crisis with strategic ramifications.

“I salute M. for this action. Only those who have been in such situations know what power, pressure and weight of decisions is placed on the shoulders and runs through the mind in such a moment.

“I am not the only one filled with appreciation for M. I speak for the entire IDF when I say thank you for the manner in which he acted to untangle that situation.

“M. was a special officer and will be remembered as an exemplar in the State of Israel. M. was lucky to have had such a wife, and I say to the children, you are lucky to have such a mother and such a family.

“After all, M. was raised in a place that brought about all this. One cannot miss the might of this family. I thank you on behalf of the IDF. This is not an easy day, but the main thing that should remain is pride. I greatly appreciate M’s actions, and even in his absence, I salute him.”

The award was accepted by the lieutenant’s widow, children and parents.