David Libi, 19, dies in Gaza explosion

David Libi, a 19-year-old from Malachi HaShalom in Binyamin, fell in battle in northern Gaza.

A civilian contractor operating engineering equipment for the IDF, Libi was killed when Hamas terrorists detonated an explosive during his work clearing terror infrastructure in Jabaliya.

The eldest son of settlers Eliav and Sarah Libi, he leaves behind his parents and seven siblings.

Israel Gantz, head of the Binyamin Regional Council, said after the devastating news: “David was on the front lines of the war in Gaza. He showed supreme dedication to defeating the enemy. His name is tied to the destruction of numerous terror infrastructures. On behalf of all Binyamin residents, I send condolences to his father, my dear friend Eliav, his wife Sarah, and to his siblings and the entire Libi family. Thanks to your son’s bravery and sacrifice, the people of Israel will prevail!”

The Binyamin Regional Council stated:

“With great sorrow, we announce the fall in battle in the Gaza Strip of David Libi, of blessed memory, a resident of the Malachi HaShalom settlement in Binyamin. David, 19, a third-generation pioneer of Binyamin settlement, a builder and lover of the land, leaves behind his parents and seven siblings. He was the eldest son of settlers Eliav and Sarah Libi. In recent months, David was part of the IDF’s engineering corps, operating equipment to destroy terror infrastructure. Professional teams from the Binyamin Regional Council are supporting the family at this time.”

The IDF and Ministry of Defense expressed condolences.

Nitzan Shapira reports that David Libi, of blessed memory, will not be recognized as an IDF fallen soldier due to his status as an employee of a contracting company, despite working on behalf of the IDF. In recent months, the IDF’s Manpower Directorate has required all contractor employees in the Gaza Strip to sign documents acknowledging that if they are harmed in the area, they will not be recognized as IDF fallen soldiers. David Libi will be recognized as a victim of hostile actions.

May David's memory be a blessing.