Border Guard Commando Itay Parson, 23, Found Dead After Going Missing

Border Guard and Israel Police announced the death of Master Sergeant First Class Itay Parson, 23, from Haifa, a commando in the elite Yamam counter-terrorism unit. Parson went missing on Tuesday afternoon near the Students' Beach in Haifa, with contact lost that evening. Security and rescue forces searched for him for many hours before his body was discovered shortly before the announcement. The exact circumstances leading to his death are currently under a comprehensive police investigation.

Parson had a unique service path, initially enlisting in the IDF for a pilot course in January 2023 before transferring to mandatory service in the Border Guard in August 2023. After completing commando training, he joined the Yamam unit's observation and drone team. In December 2025, he signed on for a permanent service position in the unit, choosing to continue his service in one of the Border Guard's leading operational units, which frequently operates in the West Bank and at terror hotspots across Israel.

Parson is survived by his parents, two brothers, two sisters, and his partner. The Border Guard and Israel Police stated they would continue to support the family during this difficult time. The National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, expressed his sorrow over Parson's death, stating that Parson contributed significantly to Israel's security in classified operations and that his ministry, the Israel Police, and the Border Guard would continue to support the family.