IDF Major Hagai Ben Ari, 33, has passed away after spending the past two and a half years in a coma following a grievous injury suffered in 2014 during Operation Protective Edge.
The officer, 31 at the time, was commander of training in the elite Maglan Unit when he fell in battle on July 21, 2014 during ground operations in Gaza.
Ben Ari was admitted to a hospital in a coma, and subsequently brought home to the Jewish community of Nov, in the Golan Heights.
Prior to his injury, Ben Ari was set to be promoted to commander of the Elite Paratroopers Reconnaissance Unit – a position he was awarded after his injury, albeit symbolically.
The commander passed away at home late Tuesday evening, and is survived by his wife and three children.
May his memory be for a blessing, and may his blood be avenged.