Israel's Knesset rallied in support of Minister Gadi Eisenkot from National Unity after his son Gal was killed in action in Gaza on Thursday.
National Unity leader Minister Benny Gantz sent his condolences to Eisenkot and his family, saying that everyone was committed to continue fighting for the cause for which Gal had died.
"Gadi, we've known each other for years," he said. "I know how strong you are and how united your family is. You've always protected our home as well as your personal home. I'm sure that this will remain. You will look after your family and you will all keep each other strong."
גדי, אחי לנשק, שותפי, חבר.הלב מרוסק. בערב חנוכה נרו של גל כבה. החינוך שלך ושל המשפחה כולה, האומץ שלכם, אהבת המולדת, המדינה והמשפחה – כולם היו טבועים בגל. הוא נפל בשם ועל בסיס הערכים שעליהם תמיד חונך, הוא היה גיבור שלכם, הוא גיבור של עם ישראל כולו, וכך ייזכר לנצח.כל כך… pic.twitter.com/bBQ1NpDotl
— בני גנץ - Benny Gantz (@gantzbe) December 7, 2023
Both Gantz and Eisenkot served as IDF chiefs of staff in the past.
National Unity put out a statement of condolences for Eisenkot and his family.
Netanyahu "heartbroken"
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that he and his wife were heartbroken at the news.
"We are crying with you, and we are embracing you," he said. "Gal was a brave soldier and a real hero. We are sending condolences from the bottom of our hearts to your family and the families of all the brave fallen soldiers. Our heroes didn't die in vain. We will continue to fight until we win."
Opposition leader Yair Lapid posted a photo of Eisenkot and his son embracing while both in uniform.
הצילום הזה. החיבוק הזה. אב ובנו. שניהם במדים. שניהם חיילים של המדינה הזו. שניהם נענים לקריאה, מגיעים כשצריך אותם, עושים את מה שעליהם לעשות. גורלה של מדינה שלמה בחיבוק אחד. גדי, חנה, אנחנו בוכים אתכם. pic.twitter.com/1wzwUE3hSv
— יאיר לפיד - Yair Lapid (@yairlapid) December 7, 2023
"This photo. This hug. A father and his son. Both in uniform. Both soldiers in this country," he wrote. "They both respond to the call and show up when they're needed, doing whatever they need to do. The fate of an entire nation in one hug."
President Isaac Herzog said Eisenkot had talked about Gal many times.
"Gal was educated from childhood to love his people and his nation, and he acted in that spirit at every moment," he said.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said he had spent many years in military service with Gal.
"May we be worthy of the sacrifice made by Gal and all the other fallen soldiers in this righteous war," he said.
Foreign Minister Eli Cohen also sent his condolences, saying that "Eisenkot has dedicated his life to the security of this country, and now he's sacrificed his dear son."
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir promised that "the people of Israel are entirely committed to fighting together to destroy Hamas and for Israel's victory."
Eisenkot's fellow party member Minister Chili Tropper wrote about how the cabinet had made the decision to enter Gaza weeks ago knowing that many of its members would potentially be affected by it.
"Gadi was patrolling the forces near Gaza precisely during the time that his son fought and was killed," he said. "Only in small and Zionist Israel is this possible. A father who makes decisions that mean risking his son, and a son who leaves everything and goes out to fight for his country. Is there any bigger sacrifice?"
Messages of condolences continued to stream in from MKs across the political spectrum throughout Thursday evening.