IDF Names 4 IDF Soldiers Killed In Kerem Shalom Missile Attack

JERUSALEM (VINnews) — BDE: The IDF announced Sunday night that four soldiers had been killed in a Hamas missile attack from Rafah on the southwestern border crossing of Kerem Shalom.

• First sergeant Reuven Marc Mordechai Assouline, 19, of the Givati Brigade’s Shaked Battalion, from Ra’anana.

Reuven is survived by his parents Sabris and Deborah, who immigrated from France eight years ago, as well as by two siblings. His aunt Sabienne told the Walla news outlet that “We are crushed, it is hard for us to digest this. He was a really good boy who was always helping his friends. He was very attached to the family and never made problems, he kept all the Mitzvot and was always surrounded by friends.

Sabienne said that Reuven never complained during the war. “When he came home he thought only of his friends who hadn’t been released. He wanted to fight and defend his homeland.

• First sergeant Tal Shavit, 21, of the Nahal Brigade’s 931st Battalion, from Kfar Giladi.

The Kibbutz published a statement that “We are heartbroken to announce the fall of Tal Shavit, during operational actions on the Gaza border. Tal, son of Ayelet and Ran and brother of Ofri and Rotem. They were so proud of him, so worried during his seven months of fighting in Gaza. May his memory be blessed.” Tal’s father Ran heads the kibbutz’s home guard.

• First sergeant Ido Testa, 19, of the Givati Brigade’s Shaked Battalion, from Jerusalem.

Ido, a resident of the Har Choma neighborhood, was a graduate of the Hebrew gymnasium. He is survived by his parents and siblings Tomer and Roni

• Michael Roselle, 18, from Rishon Letzion, a member of the 931st Battalion of the Nahal Brigade.

Michael Roselle HyD

In the same rocket attack, two soldiers from the 931st Battalion and one from the Shaked Battalion were severely injured. Nine other soldiers sustained moderate to minor injuries in the incident.

Hamas claimed responsibility for the attack. In response, Air Force helicopters and fighter jets were deployed to the area to help evacuate the wounded and to retaliate against the source of the rocket fire.

The rocket barrage included 14 rockets and mortars which were fired from underground launchers, approximately 350 meters from civilian shelters in Rafah. The forces that were attacked were at two locations – a security post near the Amitai military base and an open area near a tent or bomb shelter. One rocket struck an electricity pole at the base, another hit an empty house in Kibbutz Kerem Shalom, and another hit a building near the adjacent Sufa Outpost.

The IDF forces were deployed there to guard the equipment and tanks of battalions preparing to enter Rafah. In recent weeks, dozens of tanks and armored personnel carriers have been deployed in the area as part of ground operation preparations. The IDF issued a general alert due to the exposed position of the soldiers, leading to the deployment of shelters and the consolidation of forces.

The military is currently investigating how, despite the alarm and force readiness, the incident ended with these tragic results. There were no rocket interceptions during the barrage.