Father of Fallen Israeli Tank Commander Recalls Heroism in 2006 Lebanon War

Chaim Tzemach, chairman of the Yad LaBanim organization in Modiin and father of the late Staff Sergeant Oz Tzemach, commemorated the 19th anniversary of the 2006 Lebanon War at Mount Adir on June 4, 2025. Oz Tzemach was posthumously awarded a citation by the Northern Command commander for his bravery in rescuing fellow soldiers under heavy fire in southern Lebanon. As a tank team commander in Brigade 188, Oz defied orders to retreat and saved a damaged tank despite intense enemy fire, before his own tank was hit by an anti-tank missile, killing him and his crew.

Chaim recalled that Oz was initially stationed near Ramallah but was sent north after the abduction of two soldiers triggered the war. He described Oz as a perfectionist who called home daily and urged him not to be a hero but to stay safe. Thirty days into the war, the family received the devastating news of his death. Over the past two decades, Chaim has continued to learn new details about Oz’s final battle, including a recent call from a former soldier who witnessed the attack and heard Oz’s voice giving orders during the fight.

Chaim also shared that senior military officials later told him Oz deserved a higher decoration for his courage. He lamented the heavy price Israel paid in the war and stressed the importance of remembering all conflicts and fallen soldiers. His wife, Elishva, recounted encounters with youth guides who seemed unaware of the scale of past wars, emphasizing the need to educate future generations about Israel’s military history. Chaim concluded by calling for unity, love, and the preservation of heritage through education and community engagement.