IDF death toll reaches 27 as operation enters Day 15

As the death toll from Operation Protective Edge rises, the Israel Defense Forces has continued to name the soldiers who have fallen in battle.

Lt. Col. Dolev Kedar, 38, lived in Modiin. Just two weeks ago, he was promoted commander of the Gefen Battalion in the IDF's Bahad 1 officers training base, making him the highest ranking officer to be killed since Operation Protective Edge began.

"Dolev, it's so hard to speak of him in the past tense, was on the one hand a brave and knowledgeable officer, especially with regards to Gaza and the previous operation in which he commanded, and on the other hand he was humane to an extend that can't be described," said one friend.

2nd Lt. Yuval Haiman, 21, from the town of Efrat, was killed early Monday morning in combat with Hamas terrorists. Haiman served in the Gefen Battalion.

"Yuval was loved and very talented," said a neighbor. "He had a bright future ahead of him in anything he would've chosen."

Sgt. Nadav Goldmacher, 23, from Beersheba, died on Monday when Hamas terrorists breached the Gaza border and fired antitank missiles at an IDF position. Goldmacher also served in the Gefen Battalion.

"Nadav symbolizes the beautiful and unique State of Israel," eulogized Beersheba Mayor Ruvik Danilovich. "He was a handsome, full of love for his family and his country."

Staff Sgt. Tal Yifrah, 21, was born and raised in Rishon Lezion. A Golani combat soldier, Yifrah was killed during an armed battle with Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip.

"He was due to be released three months from now," said friends of his who came to visit the Yifrah family on Monday. "He was always smiling and seemed happy and Golani was his second love, after his girlfriend."

Staff Sgt. Jordan Ben-Simon, 22, from Ashkelon, was killed during confrontations with Hamas terrorists, but the details of his death remain subject to investigation. He was posthumously promoted to staff sergeant‎. His parents, who live in France, were notified on Monday.

"Our hearts are with the Ben-Simon family," said Ashkelon Mayor Itamar Shimoni.

Staff Sgt. Yuval Dagan, 22, from Kfar Saba, was killed engaging Hamas terrorists. He served in the Egoz Reconnaissance Unit.

"Every little piece I carry with me now is precious," eulogized Dagan's girlfriend, Daniella. "I will spread your light. Yours, until I return to you."

Staff Sgt. Moshe Malko, 20, from Jerusalem, sent a text message to a friend of his last Friday, wishing him a Shabbat Shalom. Shortly before heading off to battle, he sought to console his worried mother. It would be the last conversation they had.

About 1,000 people attended Malko's funeral on Monday. "Moshe was a smiley, happy guy," a relative said. "He became a combat soldier following his brother. ... He loved to help his family and his friends."

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