October 20, 2024 | Flash Brief
Israeli Druze Colonel Killed During Jabaliya Operation
October 20, 2024 | Flash Brief
Israeli Druze Colonel Killed During Jabaliya Operation
Latest Developments
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Col. Ehsan Daksa, a member of Israel’s Druze minority, was killed by Palestinian terrorists in the Gaza Strip on October 20. An announcement from the IDF confirmed that Daksa was the highest-ranking officer killed so far during Israel’s war against Hamas in the enclave.
As commander of the 401st Armored Brigade, Col. Daksa was leading a two-week-old operation in Jabaliya to dismantle Hamas strongholds and eliminate new recruits. While dismounted with seven other tank personnel, an IED exploded in their vicinity, fatally wounding the 41-year-old Daksa.
A decorated veteran of the 2006 Lebanon war, Daksa was the sixth IDF colonel killed in combat against Hamas. Another Druze officer, Lt.-Col. Salman Habaka of the Armored Corps’ 53rd battalion, was also killed in action in the Gaza Strip last November.
Israel Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant mourned Daksa’s passing, saying that “the State of Israel lost a bold and courageous commander, a leader who dedicated his life and work to the security of our nation. Ehsan’s character, combined with his love for our homeland, his creativity and fearless sense of initiative, made him a role model and source of pride for his troops and commanders.”
Expert Analysis
“The Druze community, though only 2 percent of Israel’s population, has long made outsized contributions to the country’s defense, in both heroism and sacrifice. They are a testament to the extraordinary pluralism of the Jewish state. Ehsan Daksa was not only a great officer but also a good friend and a dedicated patriot. He lived by the Israeli officer ethos of ‘after me’ — leading from the front. His memory will be a blessing.” — Mark Dubowitz, FDD CEO
“The Druze community in Israel is filled with patriots and warriors. This is a tremendous loss for the state, the IDF and Israeli society writ large.” — Richard Goldberg, FDD Senior Advisor
Related Analysis
“Israel Moves Against Hamas Reconstitution in North Gaza’s Jabalya,” FDD Flash Brief
“Israeli Druze Colonel Killed in Gaza Fighting,” FDD Flash Brief
“Hezbollah Fires Rockets at Israel After Deadly Majdal Shams Attack,” FDD Flash Brief