Netanyahu Tells Fallen Givati Soldier’s Family Israel Will Keep Fighting in Lebanon

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sent a formal condolence letter a few days ago to the family of Staff Sgt. Ohad Yaari, a Givati Brigade soldier who was killed last week in fighting in Lebanon. In the letter, Netanyahu said Yaari’s death would not be in vain and tied the fallen soldier’s service to Israel’s wider military goals.

Netanyahu wrote that Yaari served as a fighter in the Givati Brigade and went into combat in southern Lebanon to protect Israelis. “As we destroy terror infrastructure and strike terrorists deep in their territory, we are paving the way for removing their threats from us,” he said.

The prime minister also referred to Yaari’s upbringing and education, saying he had seen a photo of him “full of light” in IDF uniform and had heard about the values he received at home, his love of the people and the state, and the Torah education he absorbed at Yeshivat Ma’alot. He said that sense of mission guided Yaari “in his life cut short before its time.”

Netanyahu ended with a message to Israel’s enemies: “In his name and for him, we will continue to strike those who seek our harm, consolidate our independence, and ensure, with God’s help, the eternity of Israel.”