Social media posts echoed the nation’s grief, with users mourning Halfon’s death as a “tragic” loss, noting he was the fourth soldier killed in Gaza within the past week.
By Eliana Fleming, JFeed
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the heartbreaking death of Staff Sgt. Stav Halfon, a 20-year-old soldier from Petah Tikva, was killed during intense fighting in southern Gaza on June 18, 2025.
Halfon, serving in the 603rd Combat Engineering Battalion of the 7th Armored Brigade, was fatally shot by a sniper in Khan Younis, according to a preliminary IDF investigation.
His death marks another somber loss in Israel’s ongoing multi-front war, which includes operations against Hamas in Gaza and Iran’s military infrastructure.
Halfon’s unit was engaged in efforts to dismantle Hamas infrastructure in Khan Younis, a hotspot of recent clashes.
The IDF’s Southern Command has intensified operations in the area, targeting tunnels and terror operatives, amid a broader campaign dubbed Operation Rising Lion against Iran.
The loss of Halfon, described as a dedicated combat engineer, underscores the perilous conditions faced by Israeli troops in Gaza, where sniper fire and booby-trapped structures have claimed multiple lives in recent weeks.
Since the ground offensive began in October 2023, hundreds of IDF soldiers have fallen in Gaza, reflecting the heavy toll of the conflict.
The IDF expressed deep sorrow, stating, “The entire people of Israel embrace the dear families in their heavy grief.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, addressing recent casualties, called it a “sad and difficult day,” emphasizing the soldiers’ sacrifice “to defeat Hamas and bring back our hostages.”
Social media posts echoed the nation’s grief, with users mourning Halfon’s death as a “tragic” loss, noting he was the fourth soldier killed in Gaza within the past week.
The IDF continues its operations, with Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir declaring the fight against Hamas as part of a broader effort to eliminate existential threats to Israel.
Halfon’s death comes amid heightened regional tensions, with Israel facing Iranian missile barrages and ongoing Gaza operations. T
he nation mourns a young soldier whose bravery in Khan Younis will be remembered as part of Israel’s enduring commitment to its security.
