The IDF reported on Thursday morning that Sergeant Major (res.) Ronny Ganizate, 36, a soldier in the 228th Brigade's 5030th Battalion, from Givat Shmuel, fell during combat in southern Lebanon. He is survived by his wife Shoshana and three children.
The military death toll since the beginning of the war has reached 731.
In July, Ganizate shared a heartfelt post on Facebook after completing 202 days of reserve duty, expressing gratitude to his wife for holding the family together while he served. "We chose to immigrate to Israel, and we will not allow anyone to harm it. Together we will win," he wrote.
Friends and family paid tribute to Ganizate on Thursday. Ephraim, a close friend, said, "Ronny symbolized all the values we fight for. He came from France out of love for Israel and a desire to be part of its history." Another friend, David, wrote, "You were such a Zionist, proud to fight for our country. May your memory be a blessing."
The announcement of Ganizate's death follows the falling of Warrant Officer (res.) Aviv Magen, 43, who died from injuries sustained in a battle on the Lebanese border earlier in the week. The same battle also claimed the life of Master Sergeant (res.) Etay Azulay, 25, from Oranit, both hit by a Hezbollah mortar shell.
Get the Ynetnews app on your smartphone: