Staff Sargeant (res.) Omer Balva, 22, who was killed by an anti-tank missile Friday on the northern border, had been in the U.S. with his family when Hamas launched its unexpected attack on Israel just two weeks prior.
More stories:
Although he grew up overseas, when he reached the age of conscription, he came to Israel and served in the Golani Brigade. "He was very passionate about the military," shared his uncle Doron in a conversation with Ynet.
Even during one of Israel’s most challenging times, it was clear to him that he had to join his comrades in the army and he returned to Israel early last week. "He was in the U.S. and wanted to join his reserve unit, to be with his buddies. On Sunday, he arrived in Israel and by Tuesday, he was deployed north. Last night, an army officer came and informed us," recounted the uncle.
Balva, a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen and a squad commander in the Alexandroni Brigade, was killed in a rocket attack in Netuah. The news of his death was cleared for publication on Saturday. Two other reservists suffered moderate injuries in the attack, while another had minor injuries.
The incident took place during another day of fighting on the Lebanon border. Recently, Hezbollah has consistently tried to hit IDF forces using anti-tank missiles. Additionally, there have been ongoing rocket strikes aimed at northern Israeli settlements and efforts by terrorist cells to cross into Israel. Although some of these attacks are linked to Hamas and other smaller Palestinian groups in Gaza, it's believed they are acting with Hezbollah's approval.
2 View gallery
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant (right) visiting the northern border
(Photo: Defense Ministry)
Eight incidents took place along the entire Lebanon border region on Friday, including four eliminations of terrorist cells, including one terrorist who infiltrated Israeli territory and opened fire on a reservist near the border town of Margaliot, seriously wounding him. Overnight, the IDF targeted Hezbollah targets in Lebanon.
During a visit to the northern border, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said that Hezbollah decided to “join in the fighting and is paying a heavy price for it." Gallant, who according to a New York Times report, wanted to surprise Hezbollah with a ground incursion into Gaza as a "diversionary tactic" and argued that Israel's primary military effort should focus there, warned, "We must be prepared for every eventuality. I assume the challenges will become even greater."
1300+ KILLED BY HAMAS IN TERROR ATTACKS
