(LibertySociety.com) – The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed that Captain Omer Neutra, a 21-year-old American-Israeli soldier, was killed during Hamas’s coordinated terror attack on October 7. Initially thought to have been taken hostage, it has been determined that Neutra died in combat, and his body was subsequently taken to Gaza by Hamas fighters.
Born and raised in the United States, Neutra made Aliyah (immigrated to Israel) and served as a “lone soldier,” a term for IDF soldiers without immediate family in the country. He was a tank platoon commander in the 77th Battalion of the IDF’s 7th Brigade.
On October 7, Neutra’s tank came under attack by RPGs and other explosives. Exiting the tank to engage in combat, Neutra and his team were killed during the fighting. Following the attack, Hamas militants took his body into Gaza, adding to the challenges faced by Israeli efforts to recover both hostages and the remains of the deceased.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed condolences to Neutra’s family, commending their strength and commitment to ensuring the return of his body. Herzog reaffirmed the nation’s dedication to recovering all hostages and bodies held in Gaza, emphasizing the importance of honoring those who have fallen in service.
This announcement coincides with Hamas releasing footage of another American-Israeli hostage, Eden Alexander, confirming she is alive. The known count of living American hostages held by Hamas now stands at three: Eden Alexander, Keith Siegel (65), and Sagui Dekel-Chen (35).
Captain Omer Neutra’s story has further highlighted the sacrifices of “lone soldiers” in the IDF and underscores the ongoing complexities of the October 7 attack’s aftermath. The loss of Neutra is mourned both in Israel and the United States, where his bravery and commitment to defending Israel resonate deeply.
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