The son of Israeli cabinet minister Gadi Eisenkot was killed in an explosion on the Gaza frontline Thursday, the military confirmed, marking another tragic loss for a father serving in the war cabinet amid conflict with Palestinian militant group Hamas.
Master Sgt. Gal Eisenkot died after an explosive device detonated near soldiers in a tunnel shaft in Jabaliya camp, northern Gaza. The former IDF chief of staff, now Minister of Regional Cooperation, received the devastating news while touring the army command headquarters.
The 36-year-old Eisenkot was a revered warrior dedicating his life to homeland security. Tributes poured in from Israeli leaders grieving along with the bereaved father they serve alongside directing war strategy.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the fallen sergeant as a “true hero.” President Isaac Herzog said no words could comfort the “unbearably tough, heavy sacrifice” of Israeli families now mourning lost sons.
Defense Minister Benny Gantz lamented the candle extinguished on the eve of Jewish holiday Hanukkah, vowing to honor the memories of those making the ultimate sacrifice by pushing for victory against Hamas forces.
Eisenkot was raised to love Israel and lived up to that, pledging himself – like 89 Israeli soldiers killed so far – to the sacred cause now claiming young lives. But the spilling of his blood only toughens national resolve.
As violence that erupted on May 10 continues claiming victims on both sides, Israeli forces persist in bombarding Gaza tunnels part of a Hamas underground network targeted during the offensive. But each life lost carries a colossal cost, testing morale.
The tunnel blast cutting short Eisenkot’s youth, service, and dreams is the latest reminder of the pains of war – a toll mounting daily for family and nation alike.
