Israel’s military has suffered a significant loss with the death of Col. Ehsan Daqsa, a highly decorated Druze Arab officer who led the 401st Armored Brigade. Daqsa was fatally wounded outside his tank when it was struck by an explosive device on Sunday.
Druze Arabs have a long history of serving in the Israeli military, earning a reputation for their bravery and dedication. Lt. Col. Salman Habaka, another tank commander, is a prime example of this. He played a crucial role in saving Kibbutz Be’er in October, and later risked his life to rescue soldiers in Gaza, ultimately giving his life in the process.
As of October 20, the war has taken a devastating toll on Israel’s military, with 749 soldiers killed in combat. This number includes those who lost their lives in Israel, Gaza, and Lebanon.