Colonel Ihsan Daqsa, commander of the 401st Brigade, was not only a decorated officer in the IDF but also a deeply admired figure within the Druze community. Known for his bravery and humility, Daqsa provided guidance to many young Druze recruits preparing for military service. Tragically, he was killed by an explosive device in the Jabalia region of northern Gaza. His death left a profound void in his family—his wife Huda and their three children, Omri, Rif, and Yasmin— as well as in the community he cherished and served.
Huda, a trauma therapist, had spent much of her time counseling parents on how to support their children during air raids. As a military wife, she often managed the household alone, with Daqsa’s demanding career keeping him away from home for extended periods. Despite his absences, Daqsa’s connection to his community remained strong. Friends and residents of Daliat al-Carmel spoke fondly of his warmth and resilience, sharing that his loss had plunged the village into deep mourning.
One close friend recalled how Daqsa would join annual memorial runs in honor of fallen Druze soldiers, and now, they would run in his memory. Dr. Ramzi Halabi, chairman of the Druze Memorial Association, emphasized that Daqsa's passing was not only a loss for his family but for the entire Druze community and the state of Israel.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant both paid tribute to Daqsa, describing him as a hero who exemplified the values of courage, initiative, and patriotism. Netanyahu extended his condolences to Daqsa’s wife and children, praising the 401st Brigade for their critical role in the current conflict against Hamas. Gallant reflected on Daqsa’s creative and determined leadership, noting that even in his final mission—disrupting Hamas’s Rafah Division—he demonstrated tactical brilliance.
Daqsa's leadership style was defined by his deep moral compass. In his inaugural speech as commander of the 401st Brigade, he emphasized the importance of remaining humane, even in the face of brutal adversaries. He expressed gratitude to his family, acknowledging their sacrifices and urging them to remain strong in their support for his soldiers on the front lines.
The loss of Colonel Ihsan Daqsa reverberates beyond his immediate circle. His legacy will endure in the hearts of those he led, counseled, and inspired—serving as a reminder of the enduring bond between the Druze community and the Israeli state. His memory is now enshrined among the heroes of Israel, whose sacrifices will never be forgotten.