Elite Commando Dies in Freediving Accident Off Haifa Coast

The body of Sergeant First Class Itay Parson, a 23-year-old commando with the elite Yamam counter-terrorism unit, was recovered on Saturday after a three-day search off the coast of Haifa. Parson was reported missing on Thursday after he went freediving without scuba gear at Students Beach in Haifa and did not resurface. His uncle, who was with him on a kayak, last saw him about a kilometer offshore before Parson entered the water. The uncle returned to shore around 9 p.m. and alerted authorities, initiating an extensive search that involved police, the Israel Border Police, the maritime police, the air unit, emergency services, and the Haifa municipality.

Parson, a graduate of the Hebrew Reali School in Haifa, was remembered by his former teacher as a "people's person" with a "good smile," who was sensitive, empathetic, value-driven, and respected human dignity. He was described as someone who loved challenges but was also level-headed, goal-oriented, and excelled academically. He was also deeply connected to his family and his girlfriend.

The Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, eulogized Parson, stating that he "contributed greatly to the security of the State of Israel in operations whose details cannot be published." He pledged that the Ministry of National Security, the Israel Police, and the Border Police would continue to support Parson's family. The funeral was attended by senior police officials and family members who had waited at the beach command post for news of the search.