As the Iron Sword War entered its 60th day on Tuesday, the number of soldiers killed since it broke out has crossed 400, to a total of 406.
It is important to note that most of the soldiers killed died on October 7, when Hamas carried out a massacre in the communities near the Gaza Strip and southern Israel, when many fighters operated on the ground and bravely sacrificed their lives. In light of this, we reviewed the number of casualties during the prominent operations carried out by Israel in recent years. Despite the fact that each such operation took place in reality and in a different context, it is still worth mentioning and noting the number of those who fell in them.
Artillery Corps activity in the Gaza Strip // Photo: IDF Spokesperson
"Protective Edge"
The operation took place over 51 days of fighting in 2014, between July 8 and August 7, between Israel and Hamas and other terrorist organizations. 26 soldiers, 8 civilians and 68 foreign national were killed during the fighting, which until "Iron Swords" was considered the IDF's most extensive military operation since the Second Lebanon War.
"Cast Lead"
Between December 27, 12 and January 2008, 18, the IDF led a large-scale military operation in the Gaza Strip designed to "severely harm the Hamas government in order to bring about a better security reality over time around the Gaza Strip, while strengthening deterrence and reducing rocket fire as much as possible." Three objectives were defined for the operation: to create a security lull that would survive over time; prevent Hamas' ability to arm itself; and bring back the kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit.
After 22 days of fighting, Israel declared a ceasefire. During the operation, 10 IDF soldiers were killed, in addition to 3 Israeli civilians killed by rocket fire.
Fighters returning from Gaza after Operation Cast Lead, photo: AP.
Second Lebanon War
The war between Israel and Hezbollah in the summer of 2006 began with Operation Adequate Pay, after IDF soldiers Eldad Regev and Ehud Goldwasser were abducted by the terrorist organization. The war lasted 34 days, and ended with 121 fallen IDF soldiers, in addition to 44 civilians.
"Defensive Shield"
The IDF and Shin Bet operation in Judea and Samaria, which took place on 10/05-29-03/2002, followed a series of deadly attacks, culminating in the attack at the Park Hotel in Netanya, in which 30 Israeli civilians were murdered on the eve of the Passover Seder.
This was the largest military operation since the First Lebanon War, in which 5 divisions were activated simultaneously. In the process, 30 Israeli soldiers were killed.
Armored forces in Jenin during Operation Defensive Shield in 2002, photo: GPO
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