At Rambam Health Care Campus’ intensive care unit in Haifa lies Cpl. Eliav, 21, who was seriously wounded Sunday during operational activity when an explosive-laden Hezbollah FPV drone smashed into him and his comrades.
His friend, Sgt. Idan Fooks, 19, from Petah Tikva, was killed, and several other soldiers were wounded. Sitting by Eliav’s bedside is his twin brother, Amitai, who serves with him in the 77th Battalion of the Armored Corps' 7th Brigade. Eliav suffered injuries to his head, limbs and hand.
“There are heroic fighters here, like my son, who was very seriously wounded," their mother, Hava, told ynet from the hospital. "They are truly heroes. My son Eliav lost a friend who was buried this week. We embrace the family of the late Idan and pray for the recovery of my dear son and all the wounded who arrived at the hospital from the war zone in Lebanon in recent days. There are quite a few severely wounded people here like my son, undergoing complex surgeries these days.”
Hava appealed to the public to help pray for her son’s recovery. “I ask you, I turn to you — just as he did something beyond nature, please do something beyond nature. Something that is hard for you — whether it is modesty, keeping Shabbat or forgiving someone who hurt you. Please, do whatever you can for him. With God’s help, may I share good news,” she said.
Sunday’s incident in Lebanon occurred amid continued tensions in the sector and repeated Hezbollah violations of the ceasefire. According to details from the initial investigation, the incident began in the morning when a tank operating near the village of Taybeh, about 4 kilometers from the border near Metula and Misgav Am, became stuck during the operation. The force had to stop and carry out technical repairs on site, leaving it exposed in the field.
At around 9:30 a.m., Hezbollah terrorists launched a first-person-view (FPV) attack drone at the troops, and it detonated near the tank. Fooks was killed in the blast, and six other soldiers were wounded: an officer and three soldiers seriously, including Eliav, another soldier moderately and one lightly.
Immediately after the strike, an Israeli Air Force helicopter was dispatched to evacuate the wounded and landed inside Lebanese territory. During the rescue, Hezbollah launched two additional FPV drones at the forces. One was intercepted by troops using gunfire, and the other crashed just feet from the helicopter during the evacuation, but far enough not to cause any additional casualties or damage to the aircraft.
Eliav was seriously wounded and is now undergoing a series of complex surgeries. His brother Amitai serves in the same battalion, but in a different company. “The twin brothers are very close, and they are very proud to serve in the Armored Corps,” their mother said. “Eliav, who was wounded, serves as a tank loader. He has been in the army for a year. Since both of them have been in Lebanon, it has been very hard, but they greatly enjoy their military service. This is what they chose — to be combat soldiers in the Armored Corps.”
IDF forces operating in southern Lebanon
(Video: IDF)
Speaking about the circumstances of the injury, she said: “I don’t know exactly what happened. Eliav’s friend, Idan, was killed. We understand the drone struck the force directly. My son was wearing protective equipment, a vest and a helmet, but he still suffered a serious injury to his lower body. He is 21, full of life and loved his military service very much. He is now entering another series of complex surgeries. The amazing team of doctors and nurses here surrounding us, and we are all praying for good news, amen.”
Hava added: “We still have a very long road ahead. He is sedated and ventilated, and it is clear to us that this will be a very long process. We must remember that my son Eliav is not the only one hospitalized here. There are other heroic young warriors, and we must pray that they all recover and grow stronger, amen.”