New York: IDF tank commander Omer Neutra, kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, has been confirmed dead

New York: IDF tank commander Omer Neutra, kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, has been confirmed dead

The Israeli military confirmed on Monday the death of a New Yorker kidnapped by Hamas on October 7.

Omer Neutra, 21, had long been believed to be alive but was actually killed during the terror attack and his body taken to the Gaza Strip by Hamas, the Israel Defense Forces said.

Neutra, of Plainview, Long Island, had served as an IDF tank commander.

Omer Neutra was confirmed dead. Handout for the family

“Omer was a man of values, blessed with talents and a Zionist in the truest sense of the word,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement.

“He immigrated to Israel to join the IDF, chose the combat path and was appointed commander and leader,” he added.

Neutra was stationed with the 77th Battalion of the 7th Armored Brigade near the community of Nahal Oz when Hamas ambushed his unit during the terror attack.

Ronen and Orna Neutra, parents of Omer Neutra, speak at the Bring Them Home Rally in Central Park. LP Media
Members of Hamas’ armed wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, hold a Palestinian flag as they destroy an Israeli tank in Gaza City on October 7, 2023. Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

His parents had previously told the Post that his tank had been set on fire by the terrorists. Footage showed Hamas fighters surrounding the burning armored vehicle as they pulled out four men.

Neutra was believed to be alive after the IDF confirmed the deaths of two of his comrades following the October 7 massacre.

Neutra with his family in New York. Facebook/Midway Jewish Center

The fate of the fourth soldier, Sgt. Nimrod Cohen, remains unknown.

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