An Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reservist was killed during an operation in the southern Gaza Strip when he was killed by enemy fire while working on a bulldozer unit in the Rafah area. The incident is considered a direct violation of the ceasefire.
Attack and fatality in the operational area
The IDF announced that the reservist killed in the attack was Master Sergeant (res.) Yona Efraim Feldbaum, 37, from Zayit Ra’anan in the Binyamin region. He served as a combat engineer in the IDF’s Gaza Division.
According to the army, Feldbaum was part of a Nahal Brigade unit that was targeting buildings and terrorist infrastructure in the Rafah area. While working, his bulldozer was hit by a targeted shot from an enemy unit. Shortly thereafter, terrorists fired an anti-tank missile at an IDF armored vehicle – no further casualties were reported.
We mourn the loss of Master Sergeant (Res.) Yona Efraim Feldbaum, 37, a soldier in the Combat Engineering Corps in the Gaza Division, who fell in combat in southern Gaza.
Our hearts are with his family and loved ones.
🕯️ May his memory be a blessing. pic.twitter.com/7CIFXmQP14
— Israel ישראל (@Israel) October 29, 2025
According to the military, this death brings the total number of soldiers killed since the ground offensive began on October 27, 2023, to 471. A total of 921 Israeli soldiers have been killed on all fronts since October 7, 2023.
Consequences for the ceasefire agreement and Israel’s response
The office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that, following a security consultation, orders were immediately given to carry out “powerful strikes” in the Gaza Strip in response to this incident.
The US responded with cautious confirmation: US Vice President J.D. Vance called the event a possible violation of the ceasefire negotiated with Hamas. At the same time, he said that minor incidents did not necessarily mean the agreement would fail.
Israel considers the attack a clear example of the terrorist organization’s failure to fulfill its obligations under the ceasefire – in particular, the stipulation that territorial controls and a ceasefire in southern Gaza must be maintained. The IDF announced further operations to secure Rafah.
