President Herzog Visits Bereaved Family of Fallen Soldier Master Sergeant Maher Khatar in Majdal Shams:

President Herzog: “I am here on behalf of an entire nation to thank a true Israeli hero”

On March 10, 2026, President Isaac Herzog visited the home of fallen IDF soldier Master Sergeant Maher Khatar in Majdal Shams in northern Israel to pay his condolences to the family. Master Sergeant Khatar, a soldier in the Combat Engineering Corps, fell earlier this week in battle in southern Lebanon.

The President spoke with Maher’s widow and family members, hearing about his character, values, and dedication to the security of the State of Israel. President Herzog expressed his deep solidarity with the family’s pain and sought to offer them strength at this tragic time. In his remarks, he also emphasized the depth of the bond and shared destiny between the State of Israel and the Druze community.

President Herzog addressed the family, saying:
“I am here on behalf of an entire nation to offer condolences, to strengthen and embrace you, and to pay tribute to a true Israeli hero who stepped up to the mission and fought for our home. I deeply value the strength of the Druze community, a strength rooted in generations of profound connection to this land and to the state. We must continue forward together, because the mission is not yet complete. This is a supreme mission of the State of Israel, and the message in these days is sharp and clear. I grieve with you all.”

Master Sergeant Maher Khatar’s widow, Yasmina, shared the message of her husband’s legacy with the President:
“My only request is that his name be memorialized as he truly was, as a hero. Because he is a hero, a true hero. I believe that thanks to him, there will be a breakthrough here that will impact everyone, a breakthrough that has never happened before. Despite the immense pain, I am very proud of him and of his path. I am certain this message will reach many.”

In response, the President expressed deep appreciation, saying:
“These are the words of a brave lioness. This is a message that resonates not only across this country, but throughout the region and the world. I pledge to you that we will do everything to help memorialize him. I tell his story everywhere I go, and people listen and are moved. He is spoken of across the country and in the media. I told many people that I was on my way here, and everyone asked me to convey their condolences to you and to the family. Many want to feel part of this, to embrace and support you.”