Esteemed ex-IDF general Danny Matt laid to rest

During the 1973 Yom Kippur War, Matt led the Paratroopers in crossing the Suez Canal.

By YAAKOV LAPPIN
Danny Matt (left) standing next to Yaalon 370 (photo credit: Ariel Hermoni, Defense Ministry )
Danny Matt (left) standing next to Yaalon 370
(photo credit: Ariel Hermoni, Defense Ministry )
Maj.-Gen. (res.) Danny Matt, who died on Thursday aged 85, was laid to rest in a military funeral at the Kiryat Shaul cemetery on Friday.
Matt's military service spanned 50 years, and he fought in nearly all of Israel's wars. During the 1948 War of Independence, he took part in battles in Gush Etzion, and was a founding member of that community.
Matt served in many capacities in the military, and was eventually appointed commander of the Paratrooper Brigade in 1967. During the 1973 Yom Kippur War, Matt led the Paratroopers in crossing the Suez Canal during fighting with Egyptian forces.
Between 1979 and 1982, he served as Coordinator of Government Activities in the the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
"Danny was always there, leading the soldiers and playing a significant role in Israel's wars, in operations and in continuous security, placing another brick in the state of Israel's wall of defense," said Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon on Friday.