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“Efi fought on the front lines and continued even after the ceasefire that Hamas violated again and again. Thanks to his bravery and sacrifice, the people of Israel will prevail.”
By United with Israel Staff
The Israel Defense Forces announced Wednesday that Master Sgt. (Res.) Yona Efraim “Efi” Feldbaum, 37, from Zayit Raanan in the Binyamin region, was killed in combat in southern Gaza after Hamas once again violated the ceasefire.
Feldbaum, a father of five and a contractor by profession, served as a heavy engineering soldier in the Gaza Division. He is the 59th fallen soldier from the Binyamin Regional Council since the war began.
According to the IDF, Feldbaum’s unit from the Nahal Brigade Combat Team was operating in Rafah to destroy remaining Hamas infrastructure when they came under fire. Around 3:45 p.m., terrorists opened fire on a building and an armored engineering vehicle. Feldbaum was killed when his vehicle was hit.
Minutes later, Hamas launched several anti-tank missiles at another IDF vehicle, which escaped unharmed. Israeli forces returned fire and struck multiple terrorist positions, including tunnel shafts and buildings posing an immediate threat.
In response, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the IDF to strike Hamas targets throughout Gaza. Airstrikes were carried out overnight against terrorist strongholds in the southern and central Strip.
The Binyamin Regional Council mourned Feldbaum’s death, calling him “a beloved member of the community who dedicated his talents to meaningful reserve service in Gaza.”
Friends described him as a man deeply connected to the land of Israel and devoted to protecting it.
Council head Israel Gantz said: “Efi fought on the front lines and continued even after the ceasefire that Hamas violated again and again. Thanks to his bravery and sacrifice, the people of Israel will prevail. We do not fear a long road.”
Feldbaum’s death is a painful reminder that Hamas has once again demonstrated its true intentions — endangering Israeli lives, exploiting every ceasefire to regroup, and proving it seeks not peace, but the killing of Israelis. His courage and devotion reflect the spirit of Israel’s defenders who protect the nation against those who seek its destruction.
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