THE son of Israeli minister and former army chief, Gandhi Eysenkot, killed in fighting in the Gaza Strip, Benny Gantz, leader of the National Unity party, said today.

Members of Eisenkot and Gantz’s party joined the Israeli government under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with the formation of an emergency government formed after the October 7 attack by Hamas and Israel’s declaration of war on the Palestinian movement.

The Israeli military did not provide exact details of the death of 25-year-old Gal Meir Eisenkot, saying only that he was killed in fighting in the northern part of the Gaza Strip.

“Along with all of Israel I send my support to Gandhi and his entire family and a big hug. We are all committed to continue fighting for the holy cause for which Gal died,” Benny Gantz said in a statement.

In a condolence message, Netanyahu said he was devastated by the death of the Israeli minister’s son.

A total of 89 Israeli soldiers have been killed in fighting since the Israel-Hamas war began on October 7, according to the Israeli armed forces.