IDF Commando Found Dead After Freediving Incident in Haifa

The body of Sergeant Major Itai Peretzon, a 23-year-old commando with the elite Yamam counter-terrorism unit, was recovered on Sunday after a three-day search. Peretzon, a resident of Haifa, went freediving at Students' Beach in the city on Thursday afternoon. He entered the water while a family member remained on a kayak. When Peretzon did not resurface for an extended period, rescue forces were alerted. The circumstances of the incident are under investigation.

Peretzon joined the IDF in January 2023, initially enrolling in a pilot's course before transferring to mandatory service in the Border Police in August 2023. Following his combat training, he completed a specialized course for undercover operatives and was subsequently assigned to the observation and drones team within the Yamam unit of the Border Police. He enlisted for permanent service in the unit in December. Peretzon is survived by his parents, four siblings, and his partner.

Extensive search efforts involved drones, a police helicopter, boats, jet skis, horses, and jeeps. The search focused on continuous aerial and ground sweeps along the coastline and in the water, conducted day and night.