Parents of Slain IDF Soldier Leave Israel for Crete
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
The parents of an IDF soldier killed in Lebanon have left Israel for Crete, citing a loss of faith in the military after an investigation into their son's death revealed operational failures. Gour Kahati and Ze'ev (Za'evo) Erlich died in November 2024 during a poorly briefed mission in southern Lebanon. The parents met with the Chief of Staff, who inquired about their plans to emigrate. They left in September, unable to find comfort or recovery in Israel.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Parents of IDF soldier Gour Kahati left Israel for Crete after his death in Lebanon.
- The family cited disillusionment with the IDF following revelations of operational failures.
- Gour Kahati and Ze'ev (Za'evo) Erlich were killed in a poorly briefed mission in November 2024.
- The parents met with Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, expressing their deep disappointment.
- The mother stated, "The country has left us" when asked about their emigration plans.
- The family departed in September, unable to find solace or recovery in Israel.
Ron and Maayan Kahati, parents of fallen Golani Brigade soldier Gour Kahati, have left Israel and immigrated to Crete with three of their children. Their decision stems from a profound disillusionment with the IDF following revelations about the circumstances of their son's death in Lebanon in November 2024. Gour Kahati and Ze'ev (Za'evo) Erlich were killed during a military operation in southern Lebanon.
A detailed investigation by Haaretz revealed new evidence and inquiry materials depicting a chaotic and poorly briefed operation. According to testimonies, the force, which included then-Golani Brigade Operations Officer Yoav Yarom and Erlich, entered the area hastily without proper instructions. Some soldiers reported not knowing the mission's objective, with one describing the unit's movement as akin to a "stroll on the Tel Aviv promenade." Soldiers were observed moving without tactical formation, and some were taking photos with their mobile phones.
In July, the Kahatis met with Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir at IDF headquarters in Tel Aviv, where they were presented with the operational inquiry. Maayan Kahati recounted Zamir asking about their intention to leave Israel, to which she responded, "Update yourself, we are not leaving the country, the country has left us. From here, one can only go up."
The family departed for Crete in September. Another son, Neta, remains in Israel, as does Gour's grave in Nir Banim. Before leaving, the parents removed the military headstone from their son's grave, with Ron beginning to place collected stones in its place. Ron explained their departure by stating, "We cannot find solace here, we cannot recover here. To recover, you also need community, a hug, support, and a vision for the future. And that doesn't exist."
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