Full Breakdown
Families of Hostages Criticize IDF Promotion of Involved Commander
12/18/2025, 10:58:25 AM
Incident Overview: Hostages Mistakenly Killed
On December 15, 2023, three hostages—Yotam Haim, Alon Shamriz, and Samar Talalka—were mistakenly killed by Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) troops during an operation in Gaza City’s Shejaiya neighborhood. This incident occurred shortly after IDF troops had killed their captors, unaware that hostages were still present. The battalion commander at the time, Lt. Col. “Daled,” is now facing backlash due to a planned promotion announced by Ground Forces chief Maj. Gen. Nadav Lotan.
Families' Outcry Against Promotion
The families of the deceased hostages have publicly condemned the promotion of Lt. Col. Daled. Iris Haim, mother of Yotam Haim, expressed her disbelief, stating, “We are simply shaken… how can one give a promotion to such a person?” She criticized the commander for failing to ensure that all soldiers received his ceasefire order, which ultimately led to the tragic deaths of her son and the others. Similarly, Yonatan Shamriz, brother of Alon Shamriz, articulated his anger, highlighting the contrast between his brother's heroism during captivity and the commander's failures during the incident. He stated, “Promoting an awful officer like this is spitting in the face of the family, and spitting on Alon’s grave.”
IDF's Defense of the Commander
In response to the criticism, the IDF defended Lt. Col. Daled, asserting that he has led hundreds of soldiers under challenging conditions and is recognized as a principled and dedicated commander. The IDF noted that the investigation into the incident concluded two years ago and that its findings were shared transparently with the families and the public.
Broader Implications and Community Reactions
The planned promotion has sparked significant outrage among the families and the broader community, raising questions about accountability within the IDF. The families argue that promoting an officer involved in such a grave error undermines the sacrifices made by the hostages and their families. The incident has also reignited discussions about military protocols and the importance of ensuring the safety of civilians during operations.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the IDF maintains that the investigation was thorough and transparent, families of the victims express dissatisfaction with the handling of the situation and the lack of accountability for the involved officers. There is a notable discrepancy between the IDF's portrayal of the incident and the families' experiences and expectations regarding military conduct and responsibility.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are simply shaken… how can one give a promotion to such a person?” — Iris Haim, Mother of Yotam Haim
- “Promoting an awful officer like this is spitting in the face of the family, and spitting on Alon’s grave.” — Yonatan Shamriz, Brother of Alon Shamriz
- “He is a principled, professional, and honest commander who works tirelessly and dedicates his life to the security of the State of Israel,” — IDF Statement on Lt. Col. Daled
The ongoing discourse surrounding this incident highlights the complexities of military operations and the profound impact of such tragedies on families and communities.
