President Herzog referred to two events from today — a terror attack in Binyamin and the helicopter disaster in Gaza. He condemned the terror attack, expressed condolences to the families of the fallen, and called on world leaders to combat terrorism together. The president also wished a speedy recovery to the wounded and offered support to the security forces, particularly the Air Force.
“It is a difficult and painful morning for the State of Israel, as beloved sons have fallen in the struggle, leaving families whose world has been shattered in an instant,” President Herzog said, referring to the two tragic events.
The president strongly condemned the terror attack in Binyamin, stating: “I firmly condemn the heinous terror attack, and, of course, express deep sorrow for its consequences.” He continued by calling on world leaders to unite in the fight against terrorism: “I call on the leaders of Europe and the entire world to mobilize and fight together against terrorism.”
Referring to the helicopter disaster in Gaza, Herzog said: “I also wish to embrace the families of the soldiers who were killed last night in the helicopter crash in Gaza and send my wishes for a full recovery to the injured.”
The president concluded his remarks by expressing his support for the security forces: “On behalf of the entire nation, I offer strength during this difficult time to the IDF and its commanders, especially to the men and women of the Air Force, who work tirelessly to defend the people and the homeland, both near and far.”
The helicopter crash occurred overnight in the Rafah area of the Gaza Strip during the evacuation of a wounded soldier. As a result of the crash, two IDF soldiers were killed, and seven others were injured. According to initial findings, the crash was not caused by enemy fire but occurred during landing.
In the incident that claimed the lives of Master Sergeant (Res.) Daniel Alush and Master Sergeant (Res.) Tom Ish-Shalom, a female pilot, a reserve pilot, and an airborne mechanic from the “Desert Birds” (123) squadron were critically injured. A reserve doctor and a reserve combat soldier from Unit 669 (the elite Tactical Rescue Unit) were also injured. Two others sustained moderate injuries: a reserve combat doctor from Unit 669 and an airborne mechanic from the “Desert Birds” squadron.
The terror attack occurred this morning (Wednesday) at the Givat Asaf junction in Judea and Samaria when a terrorist carried out a vehicular ramming attack using a gas tanker. As a result, a 20-year-old pedestrian was critically injured. The terrorist was neutralized on the scene by security forces.
According to initial reports, the terrorist was driving a truck carrying hazardous materials and ran over a pedestrian at the junction. Immediately after the attack, gunfire was heard in the area, likely as part of the neutralization of the terrorist.
