Captain Maoz Yisrael Recanati falls in South Lebanon Drone Attack
IDF Captain Maoz Yisrael Recanati, 24, was killed in south Lebanon after a Hezbollah explosive drone struck a Golani Brigade force in Deir Seryan.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has cleared for publication the name of a fallen soldier whose family has been notified: Captain Maoz Yisrael Recanati, 24, from Itamar. He served as a platoon commander in the 12th Battalion of the Golani Brigade and fell in battle in southern Lebanon. He was posthumously promoted from the rank of Lieutenant to Captain.
The fatal incident occurred on Friday at approximately 2:00 PM. A Hezbollah explosive drone was launched at a force from the Golani Brigade's 12th Battalion operating in the Shiite village of Deir Seryan, located near At-Tiri within the security zone in southern Lebanon. The drone struck the force, killing Captain Recanati and lightly injuring another soldier.
Forces Under Fire for Extended Hours
According to reports, the unit was subjected to intense, prolonged fire during the operation. Hezbollah launched multiple explosive drones and mortar shells at the force, pinning them under fire for many hours.
The deadly drone strike occurred just one day after the exact same Golani force faced a separate mortar attack while operating in the very same village of Deir Seryan. That previous incident resulted in the death of Staff Sergeant Negev Dagan, 20, from Dekel.
The Samaria Regional Council announhed his death.
Captain Recanati served as an officer in the 12th Battalion of the Golani Brigade, having previously served as a combat soldier in the Egoz reconnaissance unit. He is survived by his parents and six siblings. His family is rooted in Itamar, and are among the founding families of the community.
Engagement and Commemoration
Recanati was engaged to Rani, who studied at the local midrasha (seminary). The couple was scheduled to be married in approximately one month.
Yossi Dagan, Head of the Samaria Regional Council, paid tribute to the fallen officer:
"Maoz was among the very best of our sons, a brave officer and a dedicated soldier who devoted his life to the security of the people of Israel. He was a son of a pioneering and deeply rooted family in Itamar, raised on the values of love for the land and devotion to the state. The heart breaks for a young life cut short just moments before building a home in Israel. The entire Samaria region bows its head and grieves with the dear family, embracing them in this difficult hour. His character and heroism will guide us and give us the strength to strengthen and build life here."
Details regarding the funeral arrangements will be published at a later time.