Son Of Israel's War Cabinet Minister Dies In Bomb Explosion In Gaza

The son of Israeli Minister Gadi Eisenkot, Master Sgt. (res.) Gal Meir Eisenkot, lost his life on the frontline in a bomb explosion.

Israeli Minister Gadi Eisenkot (L) during a funeral.

Source : Getty

Master Sgt. (res.) Gal Meir Eisenkot, the son of Israeli Minister Gadi Eisenkot, died in the Israel-Hamas war after a bomb exploded in a tunnel shaft near soldiers in the Jabaliya camp in northern Gaza. He was rushed to a hospital after the blasts, however, he succumbed to his injuries there, reported the Times of Israel. The Israeli Minister received the news about his son's death while he was touring Israel Defence Forces (IDF) Southern Command along with another Knesset (Israeli parliament) Benny Gantz on Thursday, reported Times of Israel. 

Eisenkot is a former IDF chief of staff and is now a minister in the emergency government. He is also an observer on the high-level war cabinet, which is leading the decision-making in the ongoing war with the Hamas terror group, as reported by ANI. 

Israeli lawmakers extended their heartfelt condolences to the bereaving father. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Gal Eisenkot "a brave warrior and true hero", as per The Times of Israel.

Israel President Isaac Herzog said, "He (Eisenkot) dedicated his whole life to Israel's security, the IDF and the country, and he and his family are now paying an unbearable price. Gal was educated since his childhood on love for the nation and the homeland and acted in this spirit all the time, including when he was killed. Along with the entire nation, I embrace the bereaved Israeli families, whose sacrifice is heavy and unbearably tough, and pledge: We will continue to guard our people and beloved country, for them and ourselves."

Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said, "Our heroes did not fall for nothing. We will continue until victory. May we be worthy of Gal's sacrifice, and of all those who fell in this just war."

Minister Benny Gantz in a statement said, "Our hearts are broken. On the eve of Hanukkah, Gal's candle was extinguished." He was referring to a Jewish holiday of lights that began on Thursday. He added, "We are all committed to continue fighting for the sacred mission in whose name Gal fell," reported ANI.

A total of 89 Israeli soldiers have died since Israel's ground offensive began in Gaza.