Head of Sha'ar HaNegev Regional Council killed in exchange of fire with terrorists

Deputy head of the council, Yossi Keren, is currently filling his place. 

 Hamas fires a large number of rockets towards Israel in the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, October 7, 2023.  (photo credit: ABED RAHIM KHATIB/FLASH90)
Hamas fires a large number of rockets towards Israel in the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, October 7, 2023.
(photo credit: ABED RAHIM KHATIB/FLASH90)

Ofir Lipstein, head of the Sha'ar Hanegev Regional Council, was killed in an exchange of fire with terrorists on Saturday morning. 

Lipstein was killed as he defended his settlement during the attack. He leaves behind four children, Walla reported. Serving his position since 2018, he reportedly stepped out with his weapon to fight the terrorists who infiltrated Kfar Aza.

Deputy head of the council, Yossi Keren, is currently filling his place. 

Lipstein had recently announced his intention to run in the upcoming elections in October and continue for a second term. He served in the IDF as a military medic and as an instructor in the medical corps.

Lipstein's last moments

A security officer for the regional council, Eyal Hajabi, stated that he spoke with Lipstein shortly before his death.

 Hamas fires a large number of rockets towards Israel in the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, October 7, 2023.  (credit: ABED RAHIM KHATIB/FLASH90)
Hamas fires a large number of rockets towards Israel in the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, October 7, 2023. (credit: ABED RAHIM KHATIB/FLASH90)

"I spoke with him in the morning about the situation, I told him that it seemed strange, and he said no, [the attacks are] here, and then he said he'll get back to me, and the conversation ended," Hajabi stated.

"I spoke with him in the morning about the situation, I told him that it seemed strange, and he said no, [the attacks are] here, and then he said he'll get back to me, and the conversation ended."

Eyal Hajabi

Approximately 100 Israelis were killed and over 900 injured in Hamas terror attacks on Saturday.