Initial investigations suggest that militants planted a powerful roadside bomb, targeting the convoy. Five additional soldiers were injured, including two in serious condition—a Nahal Brigade reserve officer and a soldier from Battalion 931. Both were evacuated to a hospital for treatment, and their families have been notified.
The Fallen Heroes
The four soldiers who lost their lives are:
Master Sergeant (Res.) Alexander Fedorenko (37) from Bat Yam, a heavy truck driver in Battalion 79, 14th Armored Brigade.
Sergeant First Class Danila Diakov (21) from Ma’ale Adumim, a soldier in Battalion 931 of the Nahal Brigade.
Sergeant Yahav Maayan (19) from Modi’in, a soldier in Battalion 931.
Sergeant Eliav Astuker (19) from Ashdod, a soldier in Battalion 931.
“Words Cannot Express the Pain”
Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed his sorrow:
“Our hearts are broken by the loss of four IDF soldiers during combat in Gaza over the weekend. This war continues to exact a heavy and painful toll—just last week, we lost 10 brave and beloved soldiers. Together with the entire nation, I send my deepest condolences to the grieving families of Fedorenko, Diakov, Maayan, and Astukar. Words cannot capture the depth of the pain and loss. May their memories be blessed.”
Honoring Each of the Fallen Soldiers
Master Sergeant (Res.) Alexander Fedorenko
Residents of Bat Yam gathered to bid farewell to Alexander, who immigrated to Israel at the age of four. Alexander leaves behind his wife, Irina, and their two children, Daniel (8) and Tom (6), along with his parents and sister. Bat Yam Mayor Tzvika Brot said: “Alexander and his family immigrated to Israel out of a deep sense of mission and desire to be part of the Zionist story. That same sense of mission drove him to volunteer for reserve duty almost continuously since October 7. We embrace his family and will support them every step of the way.” Alexander’s funeral will take place tomorrow at 1:00 PM at the Bat Yam Military Cemetery.
Sergeant First Class Danila Diakov
Guy Yifrah, Mayor of Ma’ale Adumim, shared the news of Danila’s passing with his community:
“Dear residents, it is with great sorrow and a heavy heart that I inform you of the death of Danila Diakov, a resident of our city, a fighter in the Nahal Brigade, and a hero of Israel. Our hearts are with his dear family—parents Alexander and Natalia, and his sisters Alina and Mia—who received the worst news today. I visited the family this evening and assured them that the city and community will stand by them and provide any support they need.”
Sergeant Yahav Maayan
Chaim Bibas, Mayor of Modi’in, wrote:
“With a heavy heart and profound sadness, we received the news of the deaths of four IDF soldiers in Gaza, including Sergeant Yahav Maayan. Yahav was a graduate of Ort Municipal High School Dalet (number 4). On behalf of all the city’s residents, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his parents, Gali and Nir, his siblings Gaya, Yonatan, Agam, and Noya, and the entire mourning family. This tragedy has struck all of us. May his memory be a blessing.” Yahav’s funeral will take place tomorrow at 11:00 AM at the Modi’in Military Cemetery.
Sergeant Eliav Astuker
Amichai Avi’or, Eliav’s teacher at Amit Y High School in Ashdod, paid tribute:
“Eliav was a determined and self-assured young man, full of talent and a beloved friend. We started as teacher and student but ended as friends—he was every teacher’s dream. Eliav took pride in every achievement, from completing his basic training to becoming a combat soldier in the Nahal Brigade. He fought for his people and his country with great pride. May his memory be a blessing.”
Eliav’s funeral details are yet to be announced.
As the nation mourns the loss of these four brave soldiers, their courage and sacrifice will remain forever etched in the collective memory of Israel.
