Yisrael Lonberg, 19, an IDF soldier in the Kfir Brigade's Netzah Yehuda Battalion, is fighting for his life at Sheba Medical Center after sustaining severe injuries during combat in Beit Hanoun, northern Gaza.
His left leg was amputated, and he has undergone seven surgeries to combat a drug-resistant bacterial infection causing acute complications.
"The danger is that the bacteria will spread beyond his leg to other parts of his body," said his father, Erez Lonberg. "Every two days, he undergoes another surgery to drain the infection. His leg is being thoroughly treated to kill the bacteria."
Erez described the ongoing struggle, saying, "The bacteria is persistent. We're trying to reduce inflammation, but it hasn’t been eradicated. It’s a Sisyphean effort. He’s in excruciating pain, constantly on painkillers and sedatives. His leg has been left open for two weeks to manage the infection."
Yisrael, a resident of Jerusalem and Kochav Ya’akov enlisted in April 2022 and completed basic training just two months before his injury. Recalling the circumstances, his father said, "Two weeks ago, his unit seized a building in Beit Hanoun. The soldiers set up on the third floor, with two stationed at a window for cover. Yisrael wasn’t at the window; his friend, Sergeant Uriel Peretz, was. Uriel was shot and killed instantly."
As the unit’s light machine gunner, Yisrael charged forward to engage the attackers. "When he approached the window with his weapon, they fired an RPG. He didn’t have time to respond."
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The explosion amputated his left leg below the knee. "He lay next to his fallen friend, fully conscious. While lying there, two more RPGs struck the unit, and he was hit by shrapnel. He later told me he was devastated about losing his leg at the moment and tried to apply a tourniquet on himself. A medic arrived to assist, and the wounded were evacuated—three of them in critical condition, including Yisrael."
Yisrael lost significant blood and was airlifted directly to Sheba Medical Center, where doctors amputated more of his leg above the knee due to the extensive damage. "It could have ended there," Erez said, "but because of the dangerous drug-resistant bacteria in Gaza, he’s been battling a severe infection for two weeks. He’s already undergone seven surgeries to try to rid him of the infection."
This isn’t the first time wounded soldiers have contracted resistant bacteria or dangerous fungi in Gaza. Over a year ago, a soldier died after contracting a lethal fungal infection. Despite every possible treatment, including experimental options and consultations with global experts, the infection overwhelmed his organs.
Erez expressed pride in his son: "Yisrael charged forward. If he hadn’t grabbed his weapon and engaged the enemy, he wouldn’t have been injured. He acted with courage and determination under fire."
The family is now calling for prayers for his recovery. "Pray for the full recovery of Yisrael ben Inbal Esther and all IDF soldiers injured in this difficult campaign."
Yisrael’s grandfather, Yossi Lonberg, fought in the Six-Day War and was among the soldiers who captured Gaza. "It feels like a family circle has closed," Erez said. "I hope Yisrael’s sons and grandsons won’t have to face this. Beit Hanoun has been cleared multiple times in this war. I pray we find wisdom to end this."
Since the start of the war, 5,606 IDF soldiers have been injured, including 825 severely, according to the Defense Ministry. This figure does not include hundreds of civilians also wounded.