Golani Commander David Hazut Killed in South Lebanon Clash with Hezbollah

Captain David Hazut, 21, a platoon commander in the 12th Battalion of the Golani Brigade, was killed in combat during a confrontation with a Hezbollah militant in southern Lebanon. Hazut, from Ashkelon, left behind his mother Galit, a sister, and a partner. At his funeral, his mother tearfully pleaded with leaders to protect soldiers, expressing the pain of losing her son after enduring conflicts in Gaza and the West Bank. She lamented, "I went through Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, and I lost in Lebanon."

Hazut was recognized for his natural leadership skills since his youth in the Scouts movement. Despite losing his father at age 15 and a half, he overcame this hardship and was determined to serve in Golani, telling his mother, "Mom, only Golani, Golani is life." As a commander, he showed deep care for his soldiers, personally buying food for those in need and visiting them to ensure their well-being.

About two weeks before his death, Hazut had a poignant conversation with his mother, acknowledging the risks of his role. He told her, "If I go, you have to lift your head and keep going," accepting the possibility of his death with clear resolve. He described his mother as "the last knock on the door" in their final talk. Galit Hazut now faces unimaginable grief, admitting, "I still can’t process it. I don’t know how to take this from here."