The IDF announced on Motzoei Shabbos that Capt. Maoz Yisroel Recanati, a Golani Brigade officer from Itamar, was killed during combat operations in southern Lebanon after an explosive drone struck his position.
Recanati, 24, served as a platoon commander in Golani’s 12th Battalion. His death marked the 20th Israeli military fatality in Lebanon since the launch of Operation Roaring Lion in February, and the seventh soldier killed since the ceasefire in Lebanon declared by the United States went into effect.
The Shomron Regional Council released a statement expressing grief over the loss of Recanati, who was killed shortly before the onset of Shabbos on Friday.
“Maoz served as an officer in the Golani Brigade’s 12th Battalion, and previously served as a fighter in the Egoz commando unit,” the Council wrote in its announcement. “He is survived by his parents and six siblings. He was a member of a deeply rooted family in Itamar, one of the families that founded the community.”
The statement also noted that Recanati had recently become engaged and was preparing to begin a new chapter in life.
“Maoz was engaged to Rani, who studied at the seminary in the community, and was set to marry her in about a month and establish a home in Israel.”
Shomron Regional Council chairman Yossi Dagan paid tribute to the fallen officer, describing him as an exceptional young man devoted to defending Am Yisroel and the country.
“Maoz was one of the best of our sons, a brave officer and dedicated fighter who devoted his life to the security of the people of Israel. He was the son of a pioneering and deeply rooted family in Itamar, and grew up on values of love for the Land and devotion to the state.”
“Our hearts are broken over a young life cut short just before he was to establish a home in Israel. All of Samaria bows its head and shares the pain of the dear family, embracing them at this difficult hour. His character and heroism will accompany us and give us strength to increase and build life here.”
President Donald Trump’s ally and Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu also issued a message of condolence following the announcement of Recanati’s death.
“The entire people of Israel bows its head in mourning over Captain Maoz Israel Recanati, of blessed memory, a platoon commander in the Golani Brigade’s 12th Battalion, who fell in battle in southern Lebanon.”
“My wife and I send our heartfelt condolences to the family of Maoz, of blessed memory, a heroic fighter who courageously led his soldiers against our enemies.
“Maoz was due to marry his fiancée, Rani, in about a month, and we all embrace her and his loved ones during this difficult hour. May his memory be blessed and cherished in our hearts forever.”
{Matzav.com}