David Libi, 19, a resident of the community Malachei HaShalom in the Binyamin region, was killed yesterday (Thursday) in combat in the Gaza Strip due to an explosive device. According to initial investigation findings, Libi was operating a bulldozer alongside the 401st Brigade’s combat team in the Jabalia area when an IED device was detonated near the vehicle. The explosion caused severe damage to the bulldozer, and Libi was killed instantly.
Cemetery Construction in the Community
About an hour after receiving the news of David Libi’s death in Gaza, Binyamin Regional Council head and Yesha Council chairman Israel Gantz contacted government ministers with a request to expedite burial arrangements. In the hours that followed, multiple parties coordinated efforts – a Defense Ministry team led by Minister Bezalel Smotrich, officials from the Civil Administration, and representatives from the Ministry of Religious Affairs – to allow David to be buried in the town where he was raised. Planning procedures and necessary permits were completed in a short time, and within 24 hours, a new cemetery was established in the community, which had been officially recognized as a town by the Israeli government in January 2023.
David, Eldest of Eight, Leaves Behind His Family
David, the eldest child of his parents Eliav and Sarah, was a third-generation descendant of Binyamin settlement pioneers. He is survived by his parents and seven siblings.
Moving Forward with Courage Alongside the Pain
Israel Gantz, head of the Binyamin Regional Council, said at the cemetery’s dedication: “This is the path of the heroic David and of the entire Libi family. This land is acquired through hardship, but this remarkable family teaches us how to move forward with courage alongside the pain – to build and to grow. Special thanks to Religious Affairs Minister Malkieli and his office, to Minister Smotrich’s team, and to the Civil Administration staff for their extraordinary human commitment.”
Not Recognized as a Fallen IDF Soldier
The IDF’s Manpower Directorate determined that David Libi z”l, who was killed during engineering work in northern Gaza, will not be recognized as a fallen IDF soldier, because he was employed by a civilian contracting company, and not as an active-duty soldier or a civilian employee of the IDF.
The military clarified that contractors working in Gaza are required to sign a form in advance, explicitly stating that in the event of injury or death, they will not be recognized as IDF casualties or disabled veterans, but rather as victims of hostile acts.
David Libi z”l is the third civilian killed inside Gaza since the war began, following Liron Yitzhak z”l, who was killed by mortar fire at the Rafah Crossing, and Kobi Avitan z”l, who was killed by friendly fire in the Netzarim corridor.
