24-year-old Indian-origin Israeli soldier Killed in West Bank ramming attack
PTC Web Desk: A 24-year-old Israeli soldier of Indian origin, Staff Sergeant Geri Gideon Hanghal, was killed in a vehicle-ramming attack near the Beit El settlement in West Bank, community members reported on Thursday. Hanghal, a member of the Bnei Menashe community, served in the Kfir Brigade’s Nahshon Battalion and resided in Nof HaGalil, according to the Israeli Army.
The incident occurred on Wednesday near Asaf Junction, where a truck with a Palestinian license plate veered off a busy highway and crashed into an IDF guard post. The truck came to a halt after hitting a bus stop. Israeli security officials identified the suspect as 58-year-old Hayil Dhaifallah, a resident of Rafat in the West Bank.
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The Bnei Menashe community, primarily from India’s northeastern states of Manipur and Mizoram, is believed to be descended from the Israelite tribe of Menasseh, one of the “lost tribes” of ancient Israel. In 2005, Shlomo Amar, the Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Israel, recognised them as descendants of Menasseh, allowing their immigration to Israel. Around 5,000 Bnei Menashe have made Aliyah, with 1,500 moving to Israel in the last five years, while another 5,500 remain in India awaiting their turn.
Ronen Plot, the mayor of Nof HaGalil, expressed deep sorrow at Hanghal’s death, describing the Bnei Menashe community as “good, humble, and patriotic people.”
The attack comes amid escalating violence in the West Bank, which has seen a series of attempted bombings and shootings. Israel is intensifying its counter-terrorism operations, targeting Iran-backed groups attempting to smuggle weapons from Jordan. Hamas, which launched an attack on Israel on October 7 last year, continues to claim responsibility for much of the violence.
The IDF has conducted over 70 airstrikes in the West Bank since October 7, aiming to dismantle terror cells. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of over 670 Palestinians in the West Bank, with Israel stating that most were militants or rioters involved in clashes.