Israel Honors Fallen Combat Engineers in Annual Memorial Ceremony

Israel's Ground Forces Command held its annual memorial day for fallen combat engineers on September 10, 2026. The ceremony took place at the combat engineers' memorial, led by Ground Forces Commander Maj. Gen. Nadav Lotan and Chief Combat Engineer Brig. Gen. Eli David. Families of fallen soldiers, veterans, and active service members were in attendance, as reported by the IDF's press unit.

During the event, Iris Goldman, a representative of the families, emphasized the importance of remembering every "defender of the homeland" and learning to live with loss. She stated that memories and stories of loved ones provide strength and expressed hope for peace and national unity.

Maj. Gen. Lotan announced that 722 individuals have died in the combat engineering corps since the state's founding, with 91 falling in recent conflicts. He highlighted that service in the engineering corps often places soldiers on the front lines and stressed the military leadership's commitment to strengthening these units in honor of the fallen.

Brig. Gen. David noted the ongoing combat operations across various fronts, with many soldiers celebrating upcoming holidays away from their families while performing duties in Gaza, Lebanon, and Judea and Samaria. He affirmed that the army and society continue to remember the sacrifices of fallen heroes.