By Levine
The lone Israeli soldier killed in the daring raid to rescue four hostages in Gaza was a commander in the country’s élite Counter-Terrorism Unit, officials said.
Arnon Zamora’s unit played a pivotal role in the successful return of hostages Noa Argamani, Almog Meir Jan, Andri Kozlov, and Shlomi Ziv who were being held captive at the Nuseirat refugee camp.
“Behind every rescue mission, are Israeli men and women who risk their lives. We are devastated to share that Chief Inspector Arnon Zamora, commander and tactical operator in the Yamam (National Police Counter-Terrorism Unit), who was critically wounded in the operation to rescue hostages this morning, has succumbed to his wounds,” Israeli’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement Saturday on X, without providing more specifics.
Zamora, 36, lived in the village of Sde David, near the Israeli city of Sderot — less than 15 miles from the Gaza border.
He leaves behind a wife Michal, two children and his parents Reuven and Ruthi, Haaretz reported.
Zamora fought on Oct 7 at the Battle of Yad Mordechai, halting the advance of dozens of Hamas terrorists attempting to penetrate the country, officials said.
Other tributes to Zamora poured in Saturday.
““I salute Chief Inspector Arnon Zamora, Commander in the elite Yamam Unit, who fell while leading a daring operation to rescue 4 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. He lived and fell a hero,” Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant said in a statement on X.
Ziv’s sister Revital Nasi offered a tearful thank you to the fallen hero’s family for his sacrifice to save her brother.
“We are so sorry and just want to say thank you,” she said, according to the Times of Israel.
