What’s happening:
Israeli cabinet minister and former military chief Gadi Eizenkot is mourning the loss of two family members who were killed in combat in the Gaza Strip. His son, Gal Meir Eisenkot, and nephew, Maor Meir Cohen, died within a day of each other during a military operation in Northern Gaza.
Why it matters:
The deaths of Gal and Maor have placed a personal spotlight on the ongoing conflict in Gaza, illustrating the profound impact it has on individual families. They underscore the human cost of the conflict and highlight the sacrifices made by those serving in the armed forces.
The details:
Gal Meir Eisenkot, 25, was killed on Thursday as a reservist in Battalion 699 during a battle in the northern Gaza Strip. His funeral was held the following day in Herzliya, attended by thousands, including family, friends, and officials. Maor Meir Cohen, serving in regular military duty, was killed shortly after his cousin Gal. Both men were named after their grandfather Meir and shared a commitment to their military service.
Behind the scenes:
At the time of Gal’s death, Gadi Eisenkot was with Minister Benny Gantz on a Southern Command visit and had to abruptly depart upon receiving the news. In a moving eulogy at Gal’s funeral, Eisenkot expressed his belief in the righteousness of the Gaza war and the necessity to defeat Hamas, vowing to uphold his son’s legacy.
The big picture:
These personal losses for Minister Eizenkot come at a time when Israel is deeply engaged in conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The deaths highlight the broader national debate over the operation’s objectives and the cost of security and defense in a region marked by persistent tensions.
A Tearful Goodbye:
In his eulogy, Minister Eizenkot referred to his son as Galush, stating, Our young son Galush, your mother and I are here with a multitude to honor you one last time. He highlighted Israel’s strength and justice, as his son had wished, and pledged to remain united and joyful in memory of those who have sacrificed for the country.
This story was first published on jpost.com.