Master Sergeant (Res.) Alon Farkas z”l fell in battle in northern Gaza, the IDF cleared for publication this morning (Wednesday). Farkas, 27, from Kibbutz Kabri, served as a fighter in Reconnaissance Battalion 6646 of the “Shualei Marom” (646th) Division.
The deadly incident occurred during an operation by Division 252 in the Sheja’iyya neighborhood, when an armed terrorist managed to approach the soldiers’ position and opened fire at close range. Farkas was killed instantly. Another soldier from the same unit was seriously injured and evacuated to the hospital. According to the report, the terrorist managed to escape.
Fragmentation Grenade Dropped from a Drone
In another incident in Jabalia, also in northern Gaza, where Division 162 operates, a fragmentation grenade was dropped from a drone on a unit from Yahalom, the elite combat engineering unit. Two soldiers were moderately injured, and a Shin Bet officer with them was lightly wounded.
These incidents are unfolding against the backdrop of a new operational strategy the IDF is implementing in Gaza. According to reports, forces are advancing slowly and cautiously, relying on precise intelligence, long-range scanning, and targeted fire, aiming to avoid ground-level surprises and reduce casualties.
The IDF also emphasizes minimizing direct engagements with terrorist squads, prioritizing targeted strikes on terror infrastructure and pre-identified targets based on intelligence. This strategy is designed to prevent unexpected confrontations and protect the lives of soldiers during the ongoing intensive ground operations.
Three Soldiers Fell During the Shavuot Holiday
Yesterday, the IDF announced that three Givati Brigade soldiers fell during the Shavuot holiday. The soldiers, from the Rotem Battalion, were killed in an explosive device incident in Jabalia, northern Gaza.
The fallen soldiers:
Sergeant First Class Lior Steinberg, 20, from Petah Tikva, combat medic
Sergeant First Class Ofek Barhana, 20, from Yavne, combat medic
Sergeant First Class Omer Van Gelder, 22, from Ma’ale Adumim, squad commander
Van Gelder’s funeral will take place today at 4:00 PM on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem.
