Two Americans were among the 13 Israeli soldiers that were killed in Gaza during weekend fighting.
Jewish websites in the US identified them as Max Steinberg, 24, of Los Angeles and Sean Carmeli, 21, of South Padre Island, Texas. Both reportedly held US and Israeli dual citizenship.
The Jewish Journal said Steinberg volunteered in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in December 2012. His Facebook page said he was a sniper with the Golani Brigade.
Father Stuart Steinberg confirmed the death of his son on Sunday.
Chabad.org reported that Carmeli was a sergeant in the Golani Brigade and among the 13 who were killed by Hamas’ military wing Al-Qassam Brigade.
He had moved to Israel with his parents as a teenager and completed high school in Israel.
The Israeli Consulate in Houston confirmed Carmeli’s death. It identified him as Nissim Sean Carmeli.
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Deputy Consul General Maya Kadosh said Carmeli moved to Israel four years ago.
The Israeli siege of Gaza has entered its third week and more than 500 Palestinians have died, mostly women and children.
30 Israeli soldiers have been killed so far since the ground offensive was mounted last Thursday.
One Israeli soldier, Shaol Aron was captured alive by Hamas’ military wing, Al Qassam Brigade on Sunday.
