Extreme heat claims life of IDF soldier

Dan Sela, an 18-year-old IDF soldier, died of heatstroke on Tuesday after collapsing during a tour of Jerusalem's Old City with his unit.

Sela, a resident of Afula, enlisted in the military last month. The Old City tour was part of the educational component of the IDF training he was undergoing. He collapsed in a parking lot and was transported to a hospital, where he passed away.

The IDF has launched an investigation of the incident. IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gadi Eizenkot ordered commanders to review procedures regarding activities in extreme heat.

The IDF Spokesperson's Unit said the military "shares the sorrow" of the Sela family and would do "whatever is needed" to help it.

Sela was the only son of Moti and Ayelet Sela, who are well known in Afula. Following their son's death, they decided to donate his organs.

"Dan was a wonderful boy," Sela's grandfather Levi Givon said. "I have only good memories of him. He loved the army, and he loved each and every one of his friends."

Sela was to be laid to rest at the military cemetery in Afula on Wednesday evening.

Meanwhile, a 1-year-old girl was still fighting for her life in a hospital in Safed on Tuesday after becoming dehydrated during a family trip to the Hula Valley two days ago.

Also on Tuesday, five young women between the ages of 18 and 20 suffered dehydration while hiking in Wadi Qelt, located in the Judean Desert east of Jerusalem. Temperatures in Wad Qelt during the time of their hike reached more than 105 degrees Fahrenheit. All five were transported to a hospital for treatment. Two were listed in moderate condition, while the other three were in light condition.

Temperatures throughout Israel were expected to drop slightly both on Wednesday and Thursday.

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