His parents, who asked not to be named, told reporters that their son insisted on returning to his unit in a non‑combat capacity once medically cleared.

By Hezy Laing

Sometimes it is hard to fathom the willingness for self-sacrifice of IDF soldiers for their country.

The IDF confirmed that a soldier from the Kfir Brigade’s Haruv Battalion who lost his hand during an operation in Jenin last week has spoken publicly for the first time, describing his injury as “a privilege to give of myself for our country.”

The soldier, identified in Hebrew‑language reports as Sergeant M., age 21 from central Israel, was wounded on June 14, 2026, during a joint IDF–Shin Bet counterterrorism raid targeting terrorists affiliated with Palestinian Islamic Jihad, responsible for numerous attacks on Israeli civilians.

According to the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit, the force entered the Jenin refugee camp shortly after 02:00, encountering heavy gunfire and multiple explosive devices planted along narrow alleyways.

The soldier was struck by an improvised explosive device that detonated near his team, causing traumatic injuries to his left arm.

He was evacuated by Unit 669, the Israeli Air Force’s elite search‑and‑rescue unit, and transported to Rambam Health Care Campus in Haifa, where surgeons were unable to save his hand.

In an interview with the Hebrew daily Israel Hayom, Sergeant M. said he remained proud of his service, stating that “defending the people of Israel is an honor, even when the price is high.”

His parents, who asked not to be named, told reporters that their son insisted on returning to his unit in a non‑combat capacity once medically cleared.

The incident occurred during one of the largest IDF operations in Jenin since Operation Home and Garden in July 2023, when more than 1,000 soldiers entered the camp to dismantle weapons factories and arrest wanted militants.

Security officials say that since January 2025, the IDF and Shin Bet have thwarted more than 320 planned attacks originating from the northern West Bank, with Jenin and Nablus remaining major hubs of militant activity.

Hebrew‑language sources reported that the explosive device used in the attack was similar to Iranian‑designed charges previously smuggled into Samaria by Hezbollah‑linked operatives.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yisrael Katz both called the soldier’s family, praising his courage and reaffirming that Israel “will continue operating in Jenin as long as necessary to prevent terrorism.”

Doctors at Rambam say the soldier faces months of rehabilitation but is expected to regain full mobility in his remaining arm.