From the Liveblog of
Sunday, May 12, 2024
Defense Ministry updates number of soldiers killed since last Memorial Day to 766
Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent
The Defense Ministry has updated the number of soldiers killed since last year’s Memorial Day, following recent fighting in the Gaza Strip.
According to the ministry, 766 soldiers were killed while serving in the military during the past year. Another 61 disabled veterans died due to complications from injuries sustained during their service in previous years.
The annual figures include all soldiers, police officers, Shin Bet agents, and civilian security officers who died during their service in the past year, whether in the line of duty, or as a result of an accident, illness, or suicide.
The numbers bring the total to 25,040 of those who have died during service to the country since 1860.
The latest update includes five troops killed during fighting against Hamas in Gaza City’s Zeitoun neighborhood, and one soldier killed in a car crash.
According to the National Insurance Institute, 834 names were also added to the list of civilian terror victims who perished in attacks during the past year, bringing the total toll of slain soldiers and civilians since last Memorial Day to 1,600.
