Fallen soldier’s mother reveals son was killed in op. tied to Bibas rescue attempt

This revelation came more than two years after the soldiers’ deaths and after Israel later learned that Shiri Bibas and her children had already been killed in captivity.

The mother of fallen soldier Givati, St.-Sgt. Oriya Ayimalk Goshen revealed that his son was killed during an operation in January 2024 related to an attempt to rescue Shiri, Ariel and Kfir Bibas during the Yad LaBanim Memorial Day ceremony on Monday.

Yafit Goshen said his son fell during “Operation Red Heart” in Khan Yunis while participating in efforts to free Shiri Bibas and her two children, Ariel and Kfir. The revelation added new public details to a battle in which Goshen and fellow Givati ​​St. Sgt. Ori Gerbi was killed.

This revelation came more than two years after the soldiers’ deaths and after Israel later learned that Shiri Bibas and her children had already been killed in captivity.

The Bibas family became one of the most widely recognized symbols of the October 7 hostage crisis, with subsequent reports and forensic findings confirming the deaths of Ariel and Kfir Bibas in Gaza.

“When Oriya participated in Operation Red Heart to rescue hostages, he not only defended the state’s borders, he completed a historic circle,” Goshen said, adding that Israeli society must prove itself worthy of the sacrifice of the fallen and calling for national unity.

Netanyahu, Ohana and the mayor of Jerusalem were all present at the ceremony

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, Chief Justice Isaac Amit and Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion all attended the ceremony. Netanyahu addressed the bereaved families and said the pain of loss does not fade with time, while linking the memorial event to Israel’s ongoing regional war.

In his remarks, Netanyahu said Israel was still in the midst of a multi-front conflict and had not yet finished its campaign. He also singled out Iran as a central threat and said Israeli security forces had struck repeated blows against those who sought to harm the country.