WEST BANK — Noam Raz, a heroic member of an elite Israeli force, was tragically killed in an anti-terror operation near Jenin on Friday.
The veteran police commando was praised as a hero and beloved family man.
Mr. Raz, age 47, is survived by his wife and six children. He was a 23-year veteran of the elite Yamam counterterrorism unit.
Mr. Raz was hit by gunfire while conducting raids on terror suspects’ homes in the town of Burqin in the West Bank.
“We bow our heads in the memory of Noam Raz z”l who fell in an exchange of fire with terrorists. Noam was a dedicated husband, an exemplary father, and one of the best fighters in the Israel Police,” said police chief Kobi Shabtai.
“Heroism and values were inherent in his character and operational activity in the Yamam,” he added.
Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said that Israel has lost a hero.
“During his 23 years of service in the unit, Noam participated in numerous counter-terror operations, risked himself, and saved lives, as his commanders would testify — with courage and humility,” Bennett said.
According to Hospital officials at Rambam Medical Center, he arrived in critical condition, yet despite prolonged efforts to resuscitate him, he succumbed to complex wounds to his upper body.
During the operation, armed terrorists opened heavy fire and threw explosives toward Israeli forces. Videos on social media showed masked Palestinians firing rifles in the direction of Israeli soldiers.
As reported by Vos Iz Neias