The Last Hero to Fall
Shocking Death: IDF Soldier Killed by Sniper Fire Hours Before Ceasefire Deal Kicks In
Israeli soldier Sgt. Michael Nachmani killed by sniper fire in northern Gaza, marking the 914th IDF casualty since October 2023, just before implementation of hostage deal.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the death of an additional soldier on Friday, October 10, 2025, during combat operations in the northern Gaza Strip, bringing the total number of IDF fatalities since the October 7, 2023, attacks to 914.
The casualty, identified as Sergeant First Class (Res.) Michael Mordechai Nachmani, 26, from Dimona, fell in battle as Israel prepared to implement a major hostage-release and troop redeployment agreement with Hamas.
Details of the Incident
Sgt. First Class (res.) Nachmani, who served in the Combat Engineering Corps' 614th Battalion, was killed while operating in the northern Gaza Strip. According to reporting by Maariv, Nachmani was fatally struck by sniper fire while operating within the confines of Gaza City.
His death adds to the steep cost of the ground offensive, with the IDF tallying 467 fatalities since the start of ground operations on October 27, 2023.
Defense Minister Mourns Heroism
Defense Minister Israel Katz immediately took to social media to mourn Nachmani and praise the sacrifice of the soldiers, underscoring the timing of the loss just as the hostage deal was finalized.
In a post to X/Twitter on Friday morning, Katz wrote:
"The great achievements attained are thanks to Michael, of blessed memory, and the heroic IDF fighters who fought with courage and determination against a cruel terrorist organization."
Katz extended the ministry’s condolences to the family while offering support to the active forces:
"On behalf of the entire Defense Ministry, I send heartfelt condolences to his family and friends, and I strengthen the hands of all IDF fighters and soldiers."
Nachmani’s death serves as a stark reminder of the continuous, localized dangers facing Israeli forces on the ground even as high-level political and diplomatic maneuvers redefine the conflict’s immediate future.