Israeli Submarine Commando Rescued Mid-Mission for Brother's Funeral

An extraordinary rescue operation took place at sea last year, enabling an Israeli submarine commando to attend his brother's funeral. The commando was serving on a mission in international waters when he received news that his brother had fallen in battle in the Gaza Strip. Recognizing the urgency, the Israeli Navy and Air Force collaborated to bring the soldier home.

"All I can say at this stage about the operation is that it began last year at one of the furthest points an Israeli force has ever reached," stated the Commander of the Navy, speaking to i24NEWS. The submarine commander himself described the moment he informed the commando of his brother's death as one of the most difficult phone calls he had ever received. He explained that waiting for the submarine to return to port, which could have taken weeks, was not an option.

"Doing the impossible - and bringing him home" was the directive. A distant ship carrying a special forces unit was deployed, and a helicopter was assigned for the extraction. Rendezvous points were established at sea, and the mission received approval from senior command. The commando was reunited with his family in Israel in time for the funeral, while his submarine continued its operational mission.

Approximately 24 hours after the operation began, the rescue ship confirmed the soldier could begin his journey home. Upon the submarine's return to port weeks later, the bereaved family expressed their gratitude to the submarine's command for their efforts in bringing their son back to say Kaddish for his brother.