IDF officer feared kidnapped declared dead

The Israeli military said Sunday that an Israeli soldier it previously believed had been captured by Hamas terrorists in a Gaza ambush had in fact been killed in battle that day.

The soldier's purported capture Friday had helped shatter an internationally brokered cease-fire, drawn global condemnation and triggered military activities in the area of his disappearance in southern Gaza that left dozens of Palestinians dead and scores of homes destroyed.

Credit: Moshe Ben-Simhon

The military did not explain how it reached the conclusion that Hadar Goldin, a 23-year-old infantry lieutenant, was killed in battle Friday. His funeral was to be held Sunday evening his hometown of Kfar Saba.

It was revealed on Sunday that Goldin was a distant cousin of Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon (Goldin's great-grandmother and Ya'alon's grandfather were siblings).

"The late Hadar Goldin is my family member," Ya'alon wrote Sunday. "I have known him since he was born. He and the other IDF soldiers who fell fought to restore calm and security to Israel. I extend a hug to the families."

The announcement of Goldin's death came amid signs that Israel was scaling back its 27-day-old military operation in Gaza.

Early Sunday, before Goldin's death was announced, the Israeli defense minister and the chief military rabbi met with the soldier's family at their home in Kfar Saba, a central Israeli suburb of Tel Aviv.

Hundreds of people had gathered outside the home, praying and showing their support. There was an outpouring of grief when the military's announcement was made public.

"Prior to the decision, all medical considerations, religious observances, as well as additional relevant issues were taken into consideration," the military said.

The Goldin family then issued a statement, indicating that they accepted the military's conclusion "with enormous grief." They thanked the people of Israel for their support and urged as many people as possible to attend the funeral. "Come accompany Hadar the hero to his final resting place," they said.

In the past, Israel has gone to great lengths to get back captured soldiers. In 2011, it traded over a thousand Palestinian prisoners for a soldier who had been captured by Gaza terrorists in 2006.

A value-driven idealist

Lt. Hadar Goldin had very clear plans for the future. Those plans did not involve going to war, they involved love. He had just become engaged less than two months before his death.

His love for his fianc e was just a part of the great ring of love that surrounded him since birth. "We have known each other for many years," said one childhood friend. "He was always at the center. A true leader. He excelled at things, and swept people to follow him."

"He was an idealist. Very value-driven," he said.

Goldin was born to a religious Zionist family in Kfar Saba. He had three siblings, including twin brother Tzur.

Members of his youth movement Bnei Akiva described him as a "legendary counselor."

"There haven't been nor will there be counselors like him," said the children he counseled. "He was always there for us, in sadness and in joy, with a huge smile on his face. Hadar taught us to believe in good and to do good and always strive to reach the top. That is why now it is our job to spread his ideas, so that every person gives and loves and that all of the people of Israel will unite."

Last October, Goldin was interviewed together with his twin brother when they completed their officers' training course. "We were raised with a lot of love and duty," Goldin said. "Obviously there is worry, there is always worry. But we also take great care."

When asked whether he would recommend combat service to others, Goldin replied: "First of all, yes. Everyone needs to know how to give, not just in combat service, and not necessarily in military service, but to enlist and be devoted to your people."

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