Investigation Launched
Tragedy at Base: 18-Year-Old IDF Soldier Collapses and Dies at Southern Logistics Base
Private First Class Irmiyas Behata, 18, collapsed and died at an IDF logistics training base in the south, leading the military to launch a medical inquiry, a Military Police investigation, and an expert panel to determine the cause of death.
A tragedy occurred at an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) base in the south of the country today, Thursday, when Private First Class (PFC) Irmiyas Behata, an 18-year-old soldier from Ma'ale Adumim, collapsed and died. Behata, a soldier in the Logistics Corps, was a recruit stationed at the Corps' training base (located within the City of Training Bases complex, or "Ir HaBahadim").
The incident occurred in the morning when the soldier exited the base's dining hall and suddenly collapsed. Notifications have been delivered to his family. Following his death, Behata was posthumously promoted from the rank of Private to Private First Class.
Immediate Investigation Launched
The circumstances surrounding PFC Behata's death are currently under rigorous investigation. The IDF Spokesperson confirmed the incident and the ongoing probes.
A preliminary investigation suggests the possibility of a fatal allergic reaction, and the military is actively working to determine what might have triggered such a response. Due to the seriousness of the event, both internal and external investigations have been launched:
The IDF released a statement conveying its deepest sorrow: "The IDF shares in the grief of the family and will continue to accompany them."
Recent Fatalities in Training
PFC Behata's death follows another recent loss in March 2025, when Sergeant Yosef Haim Tzvika Serlin, a 19-year-old combat soldier in training with Unit 504 from Jerusalem, collapsed and died after a close-quarters combat training session in northern Israel. Serlin was immediately treated by medical personnel at the scene, but his death was pronounced at the hospital after resuscitation efforts failed. Serlin was also posthumously promoted from Private First Class to Sergeant.
These incidents underscore the significant focus placed on the health and safety protocols within the IDF training environment, especially during high-stress periods like basic training.