Sergeant Uriel Peretz from Beitar Illit fell in battle in the northern Gaza Strip

December 30, 2024   

Sergeant Uriel Peretz, 23, from Beitar Illit, a fighter in the ultra-Orthodox Netzach Yehuda battalion, was killed today (Monday) in a battle in the northern Gaza Strip. Peretz was killed during an anti-tank missile encounter in Beit Hanun, where the battalion began maneuvering in the past 24 hours. According to a report by Hillel Biton Rosen on Channel 14, the force from the Kfir Brigade was in a building in Beit Hanun as part of operational activity in the area. The incident occurred when terrorists identified the force, approached, opened sniper fire - and hit one of the fighters who was on the third floor of the building. His fellow soldiers rushed to provide him with first aid, but during the attempt to rescue him, two anti-tank missiles were fired at the building and the terrorists opened fire from small arms, which caused many casualties among the force. Uriel Peretz was killed and nine fighters from the ultra-Orthodox battalion were injured - three of them seriously. The battalion is alleging that there was a shortage of medics in the force that carried out the activity. These are young fighters who only enlisted in March 2024. During the course, three medics fell out of the force, due to injuries or other reasons, and were not replaced until the training was completed. The IDF reported that "the wounded fighters were evacuated to receive medical treatment at a hospital, their families have been notified.". Peretz Haydash is the first casualty of the ultra-Orthodox city of Beitar Illit in Israel's wars. The Beitar Illit Municipality Spokesperson stated: "With great sadness, we announce the death in the Gaza Strip of our city resident Uriel Peretz, who fell in the service of God while sacrificing his life for the people of Israel and the Land of Israel. "Professional teams from the municipality are accompanying the family at this difficult time." Beitar Illit Mayor Meir Rubinstein eulogized: "Our hearts are with the family at this difficult time. The entire city mourns and sends its condolences to the important family. We pray that no more robbery and vandalism will be heard on our border and that we will soon be able to witness the 'salvation of Israel.'" This brings the number of IDF casualties since the beginning of the war to 825. His funeral will be held tomorrow at 2:00 PM on Mount Herzl.