An Israeli Defense Force soldier was killed during clashes in southern Lebanon, as reported by the military early Sunday.
The fallen soldier has been identified as Sgt. Moshe Yitzchak Hacohen Katz, 22, originally from New Haven, Connecticut.
“My wife and I express our heartfelt condolences to the family of the remarkable Sergeant Moshe Yitzhak Hacohen Katz, who was lost in combat in Lebanon,” stated Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “Moshe, who made Aliyah from the United States and joined the Airborne Forces, fought valiantly for his homeland. We embrace his family in their sorrow and pray for a swift recovery for the soldiers injured alongside him. May his memory be cherished,” he continued.
Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, also honored the soldier, saying, “Moshe embodied a profound sense of duty and Zionism, choosing to leave a fulfilling life in the U.S. to support Israel by joining the IDF. I honor his bravery and share in the deep grief of his family. May his memory bring blessing.”
The Israel Defense Forces noted that three other soldiers were also injured in the same incident. They were taken to a hospital, and their families were informed.
Since the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, the death toll among Israeli forces has reached 930.
On March 26, the IDF reported that Abyad Elhanan Wolansky, 21, from Jerusalem, was killed while engaging Hezbollah terrorists in the same area. Four additional soldiers, including two officers, were reported to have sustained light to moderate injuries.
Wolansky was the son of a brigadier general and named after an uncle killed in a terrorist act during the Second Intifada. Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz, praised his commitment and sacrifice. Staff Sgt. Oli Greenberg, 21, from Petah Tikva, was also recently recognized for dying in battles against Hezbollah.
Hezbollah has been launching rocket attacks and suicide drones toward Israel since March 2, marking their response to the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on February 28 during Operation Epic Fury.
Following Hezbollah’s breach of a US-brokered ceasefire on November 27, 2024, Israel intensified its airstrikes and authorized IDF troops to advance further into southern Lebanon to prevent future cross-border incursions.
“Hezbollah is a terrorist group aiming to annihilate Israel and has no role in any political settlement. The objective should be clear: eliminate the threat. Engaging Hezbollah in ceasefire talks will only legitimize them and grant them a reprieve,” stated MP Yitzhak Kreuzer.
Kreuzer added that the Lebanese government must be held accountable for actions taken on its territory, suggesting that any nation permitting terrorist outfits to operate against Israel should face consequences.
He critiqued any potential discussions with Iran, arguing that the current regime has persistently built military capabilities against Israel. Instead, he suggested that negotiations merely provide Tehran with time to strengthen its position, rather than offering real solutions.
“Israel must take decisive action to neutralize threats, even if it requires independent measures. The foremost duty of the Israeli government is ensuring the safety of its citizens, without depending on unenforceable promises,” he remarked.
Likud lawmaker Avichai Buaron emphasized the need for dismantling Hezbollah, stating, “We cannot jeopardize our safety by allowing Hezbollah to operate freely. It has been almost 50 years, and our people have endured enough. We will not accept any scenario where Hezbollah remains armed. Should they refuse to disarm, we will respond, even towards Lebanon.”
Concerning Iran, Buaron concluded that constructive negotiations would only happen if they led to Iran’s capitulation, encapsulating goals like dismantling their nuclear program and disarming not only Hezbollah but also its affiliates, including Hamas.
He mentioned, “We are not at that point yet. Progress will take time, but we must move in the right direction.”
