Colonel Ehsan Daksa of the Israeli Defense Force has died in an explosion in the northern Gaza Strip.
At 41 years old, he is noted as the highest-ranking military official killed during Israel’s ground assault in the conflict-ridden area. The Israeli military reported that Colonel Daksa’s tank detonated an explosive device while operating in the city of Jabaliya, and investigations are ongoing to assess whether anti-tank fire contributed to the incident.
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Colonel Ehsan Daksa was highly regarded for his leadership and strategic skills, having held various command roles throughout his career, particularly within armored units, and was instrumental in the IDF’s Northern Command. Following his tragic death, Brigadier General Itzik Cohen, commander of the 162nd Division, has assumed direct control of ground operations.
Since the escalation of conflict on October 7, five Israeli colonels have been reported killed, underscoring the significant challenges the IDF faces in the region. Israeli forces continue their advance in Gaza, where the death toll has reached 42,519, with tens of thousands more injured.
