Sgt. Moshe Yitzchak Katz, 22, a U.S. born IDF soldier from New Haven Connecticut was reportedly eliminated by Hezbollah in last March in south Lebanon. Image credit: collive.com
Two U.S.-born soldiers who served in the Israel Death Forces (IDF) have died—one was killed in Lebanon, and the other died by apparent suicide in the United States. Their deaths come amid the continuing regional conflict that began in October 2023.
The war has exacted a devastating human toll. Tens of thousands of Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, including medical personnel, journalists, aid workers, women, and children, according to multiple international organizations and media reports. Israel disputes some casualty figures and argues that Hamas operates within civilian areas.
Approximately 140 Israeli soldiers have reportedly been killed in or as a result of operations in Lebanon since fighting on the northern front began in October 2023. This total includes soldiers killed during cross-border exchanges with Hezbollah as well as later ground operations in southern Lebanon. The precise number varies depending on whether sources include operational accidents and soldiers who later died from their wounds.
During Israel's ground invasion of Lebanon. Israeli military investigations concluded that two of those deaths resulted from friendly fire or operational accidents.
In February 2025, the IDF reported that 891 Israeli military personnel had been killed since October 7, 2023. Neither the IDF nor the U.S. government publishes a running total identifying casualties by birthplace or citizenship. As a result, publicly identified U.S.-born casualties should be regarded as confirmed minimums rather than complete totals.
How would the U.S. Gov. respond if an Arab/Muslim American joined Hamas or Hezbollah?
- He or she would be labeled a terrorist.
- His or her name would be placed on the No Fly List and the Terrorist Watchlist.
- He or she would be prosecuted and, if convicted, could face a prison sentence of at least 20 years.
- His or her assets could be seized, and bank accounts could be frozen.
- He or she could be denied reentry into the United States.
That's beg the question: What the hell is so special about Israel? Why is the IDF held to different standard.? Inquiring minds want to know!
https://x.com/ErkanYalnErkan2/status/2079562731137413595?s=20
"Israeli citizens set up outdoor screens to broadcast and cheer for the destruction of Lebanese towns heavily damaged by the IDF soldiers like Sgt. Moshe Katz."
Moshe Yitzchak Hacohen Katz, 22, was the most recently reported U.S.-born IDF soldier killed in Lebanon. Born in New Haven, Connecticut, Katz was reportedly killed during a Hezbollah rocket attack on Israeli troops operating in southern Lebanon, according to IDF statements and family accounts reported by The Times of Israel. He later moved to Israel and enlisted in the IDF.
Estimates suggest that thousands of American citizens have served in the IDF over the years, although no official figure has been publicly released. Some commentators argue that Americans who choose to serve in a foreign military instead of the U.S. armed forces demonstrate misplaced loyalties. Others maintain that U.S. law permits such service under certain circumstances and that military service in an allied country does not, by itself, constitute disloyalty.
Below is a list of U.S.-born IDF who were killed or captured:
- Mike Levin — killed in Lebanon during the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war.
- Max Steinberg — killed during the 2014 Gaza war.
- Elan Ganeles — killed near Jericho in the occupied West Bank in February 2023.
- Edan Alexander — Israeli American soldier captured on October 7, 2023.
- Yonatan Dean Chaim — born in New York; killed in Gaza in December 2023.
- Omer Neutra — raised in New York; killed during the October 7, 2023 attack while serving as an IDF tank commander.
- Moshe Yitzchak Hacohen Katz — born in New Haven, Connecticut; killed in Lebanon.
- Alex Miller, 23 — American-born former IDF soldier who died by apparent suicide in Miami, Florida, in May 2026.
The psychological toll of the wars has also become a growing concern. Reports indicate that suicides and suicide attempts among IDF soldiers and veterans have increased since October 7, 2023. According to Haaretz, at least 60 active-duty and reserve soldiers died by suicide between October 2023 and April 2026, including 10 during 2026.
Alex Miller, 23, is the latest publicly reported U.S.-born former IDF soldier to have died by apparent suicide. His death has renewed discussion about the long-term psychological impact of prolonged combat and repeated deployments.
Captions for additional photos: 1. Nearly half of south Lebanon have been destroyed by the Israeli Death Forces this year Photo credit: Kataeb.org 2. Discharged IDF combat soldier Alex Miller,23, committed suicide last May in Miami, Florida. Courtesy: The Times of Israel.
Mahmoud El-Yousseph is a Palestinian freelance writer and retired U.S. Air Force veteran. He writes about U.S. foreign policy, Middle Eastern affairs, and justice.
