"Israeli Soldier Killed in Gaza Battle; Death Toll Rises to 17"

Lt. Col. Salman Habaka, a senior IDF officer, was killed during the ground operation in Gaza while battling Hamas. Habaka, from the Druze village of Yanuh-Jat, played a crucial role in neutralizing terrorists and rescuing residents during the surprise onslaught by Hamas on October 7. He led his battalion to Be'eri and joined forces with a paratroop contingent to clear out terrorists. Habaka's heroic actions were celebrated, and his family supported him as he prepared to enter Gaza. He leaves behind a wife, a two-year-old son, and his parents, siblings.