The IDF on Sunday released the name of an Israeli special forces officer on Sunday who was killed during a blown undercover operation in the Gaza Strip in November 2018.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
The officer was identified as Lt. Col. Mahmoud Khir al-Din, 41, from the Druze town of Hurfeish in northern Israel.
Al-Din was killed by friendly fire during a firefight with Hamas gunmen in the Gaza city of Khan Younis on November 11, 2018, where another officer was moderately wounded.
While in Khan Younis, his undercover team was identified by Hamas police officers, leading to the firefight. Seven Hamas members were also killed.
Most details of the raid in Khan Younis, named "Operation Dialogue in the Dark," are still classified almost four years later.
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Aviv Kohavi posthumously awarded al-Din with a special commendation for his activities in the operation for "demonstrating a high level of responsibility, leadership, composure and bravery under fire, protecting other soldiers while taking initiative and striving for contact."
"He was a hero of Israel," said Military Intelligence Directorate commander Maj. Gen. Aharon Haliva.
He added that "after the many operations that he took part in, he deserves to get the respect and honor that befits him."
Haliva said the IDF spoke with al-Din's family before revealing his identity. Until Sunday, he was only identified by his rank and the first Hebrew letter of his name.
"There is a whole set of considerations and sensitivity regarding the other members of the operation, but it was decided that his name and pictures could be published," Haliva said, adding that he would not go into details regarding the operation.
Al-Din was married to Nahed and the father of two sons. He served as an officer, combat soldier, and commander in the Special Operations Division of the Intelligence Directorate.
He was drafted into the army in October 1999, initially serving in the Paratroopers Brigade's reconnaissance unit (sayeret). In 2002, he began to serve in the Military Intelligence's Special Operations Division, until his death in 2018.
He held a BA in law from the College of Management Academic Studies in Rishon Letzion, and an MA in education and business management from Haifa University.
In 2009 he established a non-profit aimed at helping advance the Druze community in Israel. In 2010 he joined up with Aharai! ("Follow Me"), a non-profit that encourages youth leadership with an eye toward IDF enlistment and helped to run it in his hometown.
Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!
