The IDF cleared for publication on Thursday that Staff Sergeant Ron Epshtein, aged 19, from Nesher, fell during combat in the southern Gaza Strip. He was killed in a mortar strike in Jabaliya.
SSG Epshtein was a soldier in the Tzabar Battalion of the Givati Brigade.
With this, the number of IDF casualties since the October 7th massacre has risen to 804.
SSG Epshtein was the son of Dimitri and Olga and the brother of Daniel, Dina, and Maya. He was a graduate of the Hebrew Reali School in Haifa.
Nesher Mayor Roi Levi eulogized: "With every 'cleared for publication' the heart shrinks. Another child of the entire country fell for the defense of the country. Tonight the difficult news comes closer than ever. SSG Ron Epshtei fell in a mortar strike in the northern Gaza Strip. The city of Nesher and its residents embrace the dear family in its most difficult hour. May his memory be a blessing."