Politicians from across the political spectrum paid tribute Monday to Lt. Col. M., a special forces officers killed in a clash with Hamas operatives in the southern Gaza Strip town of Khan Younis during a covert mission late Sunday.
A second Israeli officer was moderately wounded in the incident, and seven Gaza terrorists were killed.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who cut short a state visit to Paris upon learning of the flare-up, eulogized the officer, saying, "Lt. Col. M., a celebrated officer, was killed overnight in an IDF operation in the Gaza Strip. "
"A day will come when the public will learn about his acts of heroism," Netanyahu said. "The Israeli public owes him a tremendous debt. Our forces acted valiantly and courageously tonight [Sunday]. I salute Lt. Col. M., his family and his brothers in arms."
Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman said, "Israel lost a highly respected officer tonight, whose contribution to national security will remain classified for many years. I offer his family my deepest condolences and wish the wounded a speedy recovery."
President Reuven Rivlin expressed his "shock and grief over the death of an IDF officer tonight. I pray for the speedy recovery of his wounded comrade and I send my thoughts and hugs to all IDF troops, who never falter as they stand guard to ensure our safety."
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gadi Eizenkot, who oversaw the operation, issued a statement saying, "IDF special forces operating in Gaza tonight were on a mission of paramount importance to Israel's security and waged a valiant battle with utter determination. The IDF owes Lt. Col. M. more than we can say. I send my condolences to his family and wish the wounded officer a speedy recovery."
IDF Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Ronen Manelis said, "The soldiers acted heroically to neutralize the threat. Unfortunately, they sustained casualties – Lt. Col. M., whose acts of heroism cannot be made public, but he deserves every commendation for this mission and the other missions he has carried out."
Opposition Leader Tzipi Livni (Zionist Union) tweeted, "Our hearts go out to the family of the officer who was killed in the Gaza Strip tonight. We are proud of the courage of our soldiers, who are always ready for every mission. We also salute the residents of the Gaza-vicinity communities. All we can do now is hope the government exercises discretion and responsibility."
Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid said, "This was a difficult night for the residents of Israel's Gaza-vicinity communities and for the IDF. I offer my support to IDF soldiers and officers, who proved their courage and determination tonight and reminded Hamas, and all of Israel's enemies, that they are never out of our reach. I offer the slain officer's family my heartfelt condolences."
Habayit Hayehudi leader Naftali Bennett tweeted, "Israel mourns the falling of Lt. Col. M. It is heroes like him – who act in the shadows to maintain Israel's security – that allow us to live here safely. May Lt. Col. M.'s soul be bound in the bond of life."
Kulanu leader Moshe Kahlon said, "We bow our heads and mourn the falling of Lt. Col. M., a brave officer who fought tirelessly for Israel's security. Our hearts go out to his family and we salute IDF soldiers and officers, who risk their lives for our safety."
Zionist Union leader Avi Gabbay lauded "IDF troops, who again proved their bravery and their ability to act anywhere, anytime."
Eshkol Regional Council Head Gadi Yarkoni issued a statement saying, "The residents of the Eshkol Regional Council bow their heads in mourning the death of Lt. Col. M., who was killed during an operation defending the Gaza-vicinity communities. Our thoughts are with his family and with all the brave defense officials who spare no effort to protect us."
But not all offered their condolences over the officer's death.
Joint Arab List MK Hanin Zoabi tweeted, "There's no war on Gaza – there's a war for Gaza. No one else dares say that the blood of those killed tonight is on Israel's hands. It is a right and a duty to resist Israeli brutality [in Gaza]."
Fellow party member Jamal Zahalka tweeted, "The Israeli government is a bully. It's time they understand that the Palestinians won't tolerate occupation and oppression."
