Israeli politicians mourn death of hostage US-Israeli Omer Neutra after IDF changes his status from ‘captured’ to ‘killed’

The IDF announced on Monday morning that Israeli-American soldier Captain Omer Neutra, initially believed to have been captured alive by Hamas terrorists on Oct. 7, 2023, is now confirmed to have been killed that day, with his body subsequently taken to Gaza.

His death was determined by the Military Rabbinate after new findings and intelligence were reviewed. 

Neutra came to Israel as a “lone soldier” – a term used to describe a soldier with no family living in Israel –where he joined the IDF and served as a tank platoon commander. 

On Oct. 7, Neutra and his tank crew, including Sgt. Shaked Dahan, Sgt. Nimrod Cohen, and Sgt. Oz Daniel, were stationed at the Gaza border. Their tank was attacked by Hamas terrorists, and footage of the burning vehicle was widely circulated on social media.

The videos depict a combination of Hamas terrorists and Palestinians in civilian clothing surrounding the burning tank and dragging out the bodies of the four crew members.

Sergeants Dahan and Daniel were confirmed dead within the first few months after the war started, while Cohen and Neutra were both presumed alive. 

The announcement of Neutra’s death provoked a reaction from across the Israeli political spectrum. 

Israeli President Isaac Herzog eulogized Omer on 𝕏: “Our hearts are with the Neutra family this morning, who, after more than a year of a determined, traumatic, and worldwide struggle, received the devastating news confirming the death of their beloved son, Captain Omer Maxim Neutra, who fell on October 7th, and his body abducted by terrorists into Gaza.” 

Our hearts are with the Neutra family this morning, who, after more than a year of a determined, traumatic, and worldwide struggle, received the devastating news confirming the death of their beloved son, Captain Omer Maxim Neutra, who fell on October 7th, and his body abducted…

— יצחק הרצוג Isaac Herzog (@Isaac_Herzog) December 2, 2024

“We must fulfill the ultimate imperative: to return Omer, and all our abducted men and women – the living to their families, and the fallen and murdered to be laid to rest,” Herzog wrote. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also posted a tribute to Neutra on 𝕏. 

“My wife Sara and I send our heartfelt condolences to the parents and family of the late Captain Omer Neutra, the hero of the corps armor officer, with the bitter news of his death on the seventh of October,” Netanyahu wrote.

“Omer was a man of values, blessed with talents and a Zionist in every inch of his limbs. He immigrated to Israel to enlist in the IDF, chose a combat path and was chosen to command and lead.” 

Netanyahu vowed, “We will not rest or be quiet until we return him home to the grave of Israel, and we will continue to act resolutely and tirelessly until we return all of our hostages – the living and the fallen.” 

Defense Minister Israel Katz praised Neutra's dedication, saying that he "will remain etched in the heart of the nation forever."

“Omer, who grew up in New York and chose to come to Israel out of a deep sense of mission, fell in a heroic battle near Nir Oz on October 7, 2023, and was abducted to the Gaza Strip by Hamas murderers,” Katz said. “Omer’s life story and dedication represent the best and strongest of us as a people. A fighter who stood bravely in battle on Tank No. 3 and sacrificed his life for the security of the State of Israel against the worst of our enemies."

Katz continued: "To the Neutra family and all the families of the hostages, I want to say on behalf of the State of Israel – the return of the hostages is our most important mission, and we will do everything in our power to fulfill it,” adding, "Omer will remain etched in the heart of the nation forever. May his memory be a blessing.” 

Opposition leader Yair Lapid eulogized Omer’s death, saying, “We have to do everything to get everyone home.” 

הלב נשבר עם הידיעה על מותו של סרן עומר נאוטרה, שנפל ב-7.10. הלב עם הוריו רונן ואורנה ועם אחיו דניאל. כל יום שעובר הזמן אוזל. צריך לעשות הכל בשביל להשיב את כולם הביתה, עכשיו. יהי זכרו של עומר ברוך pic.twitter.com/9kfSD1lBdY

— יאיר לפיד - Yair Lapid (@yairlapid) December 2, 2024

“The heart breaks with the news of the death of Captain Omer Neutra, who fell on 7 October. My heart is with his parents Ronen and Orna and with his brother Daniel. Every day that passes, time runs out. We must do everything to bring everyone home, now. May the memory of Omer be blessed.”