New Nahal Brigade commander dies after collapsing during fitness training

A senior Israel Defense Forces officer died this morning after collapsing during fitness training in a military base in central Israel.

Colonel Sharon Asman, 42, the commander of the Nahal infantry brigade, received immediate medical attention after collapsing, but shortly afterwards was pronounced dead.

The military says Asman’s family was notified, and the incident is under investigation. He had two daughters.

Asman had only entered the role of brigade commander on Monday. He had served in the military for 25 years and fought in Lebanon and Gaza.

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett sends his condolences to Asman’s family.

“Asman was one of our best. He gave the majority of his life for the protection of Israel’s security.”

President Reuven Rivlin says he is “heartbroken by the terrible disaster” and calls Asman “a hero, a commander and a man of action with a big heart.”