A mother of an Israeli soldier killed in the 2023 “Operation Red Heart” has spoken publicly for the first time, confirming that her son was killed during the mission aimed at rescuing Shiri Bibas and her children. The disclosure, made more than two years after the soldiers’ deaths, adds a painful personal layer to an operation already shrouded in secrecy.
Background
Operation Red Heart was launched by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in early 2023 after intelligence indicated that Shiri Bibas, an Israeli civilian abducted in Gaza, might be held captive along with her two young children. The operation involved a coordinated assault on a network of tunnels and safe houses in the Gaza Strip. While the IDF reported eliminating several militants, the fate of the Bibas family remained unresolved for months.
In a televised interview, the soldier’s mother, Naomi Cohen, recounted how she learned in 2025 that her son, Sergeant David Cohen, had been killed during the assault. She said the IDF had initially informed families that the operation resulted in “enemy combatant” casualties only, without specifying Israeli losses. Naomi’s testimony aligns with later official statements confirming that three Israeli soldiers died in the mission.
Biblical Context
The pain of losing a child in war echoes the ancient laments recorded in Scripture. Psalm 34:18 reminds believers that “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
“The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)
Similarly, the call for divine justice amid suffering is voiced in Romans 12:19: “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God.” While the verse cautions personal retaliation, it affirms that ultimate judgment belongs to God.
“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God.” (Romans 12:19)
These passages offer comfort to grieving families and underscore a theological framework that trusts God’s sovereign care, even when human actions appear opaque.
Prophetic Perspective (Interpretive)
Some believers observe that the events surrounding Operation Red Heart reflect recurring biblical themes: the nation of Israel striving for the safety of its people, the peril of deception, and the tragic cost of conflict. From a prophetic standpoint, they note connections to Ezekiel 38‑39, where a coalition gathers against Israel, prompting divine intervention. However, it is essential to treat such observations as perspectives, not definitive predictions.
- Israel’s defensive actions echo the call in Isaiah 41:10 to “fear not, for I am with you.”
- The hidden fate of the Bibas family illustrates the biblical motif of “the hidden things of the heart” (Jeremiah 9:23).
- The pursuit of justice for the fallen aligns with Micah 6:8’s instruction to “do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God.”
Looking Forward
Naomi Cohen’s testimony reminds the public that behind every headline are families enduring loss. While the Israeli government continues to investigate the operation’s full scope, the story underscores the need for transparency, compassionate support for bereaved families, and reliance on divine comfort. As believers, we are called to pray for the souls lost, for the families left behind, and for the peace of the region.
For the full report, see the Jerusalem Post article.
