A newly released video showing the kidnapping of an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Armored Corps crew has brought renewed attention to the tragic events of October 7, 2024.
The footage, obtained and broadcast by N12 on Tuesday, captures the harrowing moment when four IDF soldiers were ambushed and subsequently taken captive by Hamas militants.
The video reveals the crew’s desperate situation as they were stationed at a border outpost between Kibbutz Nir Oz and Kibbutz Nirim.
The tank crew comprised tank commander Omer Neutra from Long Island, tank gunner Nimrod Cohen from Rehovot, tank loader Oz Daniel from Kfar Saba, and driver Shaked Dahan from Afula.
As of now, Neutra and Cohen are confirmed to be in Hamas captivity, while Daniel and Dahan have been reported as killed.
Merav Daniel, the mother of the deceased Oz Daniel, spoke to N12 about the emotional impact of the video. “I recognized my son, even if the image was blurry – you can’t mistake your own child,” she said. Her husband, Amir Daniel, elaborated on the details shared in the footage.
“They were on the fence, and apparently, they also took an RPG hit that seriously damaged the tank. At the same time, two explosives were placed on the tank, one in the front and one behind,” he explained.
Yehuda Cohen, the father of Nimrod Cohen, expressed his frustration and heartache over the situation. “I sent a WhatsApp message, but of course, there was no response,” said Cohen, reflecting on the difficulties of trying to reach his son amidst the chaos.
The IDF soldiers were part of the 77th Battalion and were on high alert when the attack began. Early in the morning of October 7, alerts were triggered, and the crew’s tank, along with another, was actively engaged in securing the area. While one tank drove north, Neutra’s tank, carrying Cohen, Daniel, and Dahan, moved south.
According to the N12 report, the northern tank’s commander reported an attack to the southern tank approximately 20 minutes after the initial alerts. Neutra informed that their tank was turning around to return to the kibbutzim, but shortly thereafter, their tank slowed significantly.
It was at this critical moment that the tank was struck by an RPG, setting it ablaze. The crew attempted to evacuate but encountered further danger.
“The tank started to catch fire, and apparently, the fire emergency system kicked in, so they had to either evacuate or risk suffocation inside the tank,” Amir Daniel recounted.
In their attempt to assist the other tank, the crew’s vehicle was further compromised. “The tank started to lurch, which allowed the terrorists to attach a bomb to the tank, disabling it,” Amir continued. Faced with a dire situation, the crew was forced to open the tank’s doors to escape the intense heat and smoke.
The video captures the aftermath of this attack and provides a stark portrayal of the peril faced by the soldiers. The subsequent capture of Neutra and Cohen by Hamas has added to the ongoing anguish experienced by their families.
The Israeli government has not yet provided further details on the ongoing efforts to secure the release of the two captured soldiers. In the meantime, the families of the victims continue to grapple with their loss and the uncertainty surrounding the fate of their loved ones.
As the IDF and the Israeli public await further updates, the release of this footage underscores the perilous conditions faced by military personnel operating in conflict zones and highlights the personal cost of such intense confrontations.
The story of the IDF crew’s last moments in the field serves as a somber reminder of the sacrifices made by those in uniform and the enduring impact on their families and communities.