Colonel Ehsan Daxa, 41, commander of the 401st Brigade within the IDF's 162nd Division, was killed on Sunday when an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated during an operation in Jabaliya, northern Gaza Strip. Another officer was seriously injured, and two others sustained light injuries in the incident.
Daxa, from the Druze city of Daliyat al-Karmel, had assumed command of the brigade in June. Upon his appointment, he expressed his pride in leading a "special and courageous generation of fighters and commanders" committed to decisively defeating Hamas.
Daxa is the highest-ranking officer to have fallen since the IDF’s ground operations in Gaza began. During the fatal incident, he led two tanks into Jabaliya, advancing to the front of the raid. The explosion occurred during a reconnaissance mission just 25 yards from their tanks, killing Daxa instantly. Three other soldiers were airlifted to a hospital, with one in serious condition. Investigations are ongoing to determine if the group came under additional gunfire.
Military sources suggest the current operation in Jabaliya, now in its third week, could extend for weeks or months. Since the raid’s start, hundreds of Hamas terrorists have been killed, and weapons caches and tunnels have been destroyed.
Daxa’s death has deeply affected his hometown, Daliyat al-Karmel. Mayor Rafik Halabi expressed the town’s grief, calling Daxa a "hero" and a "legend." President Isaac Herzog also mourned his loss, describing him as "a courageous, humble and principled warrior."
Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif, spiritual leader of the Druze community in Israel, called the loss of Daxa "unfathomable" and a "painful blow" to the IDF, Israel and the Druze community. He highlighted the Druze community's ongoing sacrifices in the war.
Daxa had previously been honored for bravery during the 2006 Second Lebanon War, where he played a key role in rescuing paratroopers under heavy fire in southern Lebanon. His commendation cited his boldness, bravery and professionalism.
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