Israeli military officials confirmed Saturday the death of Capt. Maoz Israel Recanati, a 24-year-old officer who served as a platoon commander with the Golani Brigade’s 12th Battalion from Itamar, following a drone attack that targeted military personnel in southern Lebanon.
The captain’s death brings to 20 the total number of Israeli soldiers who have died in Lebanon during Operation Roaring Lion, and marks the seventh military death recorded since the ceasefire went into effect.
This latest fatality follows the previous day’s loss of Staff Sgt. Negev Dagan, 20, from Dekel, who died in southern Lebanon when Hezbollah forces launched mortar attacks.
According to the Samaria Regional Council, Recanati leaves behind his parents and six siblings. The council revealed that he was set to wed his fiancée Rani, whom he met during their studies at a local seminary, with their wedding planned for approximately one month from now.
Following word of the officer’s death, Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan issued a tribute to Recanati.
“Maoz was among the best of our sons, a brave officer and devoted fighter who dedicated his life to the security of the people of Israel,” Dagan said.
Dagan further described Recanati as “the son of a pioneering family deeply rooted in Itamar, raised on the values of love of the land and devotion to the state.”
