On Wednesday, March 25, 2026, the President of the State of Israel, Isaac Herzog, and IDF Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, paid individual visits to Rambam Health Care Campus (Rambam), meeting families, and soldiers wounded while serving in southern Lebanon during Operation Roaring Lion.
President Isaac Herzog, First Lady Michal Herzog (center) with Rambam Director General, Michal Mekel (far right) together with IDF representatives at the bedside of one of the wounded soldiers.
Photography: Kobi Gidon - Government Press Office.
Together with Rambam’s General Director, Dr. Michal Mekel, President Herzog visited patients in various hospital departments and received a briefing on patient care. The President thanked the staff for their commitment.
The President also met with the Krieger family, whose son, Lieutenant Matan'el, remains hospitalized at Rambam after sustaining serious injuries from an anti tank missile. He went on to meet bus driver Ali Kudra, injured after evacuating his passengers and moving them out of harm’s way following a missile strike in Kiryat Shmona a few days ago.
“I wish to express my deep appreciation to you—the injured soldiers and civilians—for your courage and steadfast resilience. Your spirit reflects the strength of Israeli society," said President Herzog. "The State of Israel is committed and will stand by your side throughout your recovery and rehabilitation. I wish you a swift and complete recovery.” He thanked Rambam’s medical teams for their preparedness, dedication, and exceptional care.
In a separate visit, IDF Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir addressed the wounded soldiers: “Matan'el, Binyamin, Guy, and Avraham, you project determination to continue fighting, even after the injury, and you demonstrate personal strength and the fighting spirit of the IDF. I salute you and honor you for your meaningful service and for your sacrifice on our behalf. Every wounded soldier is an inseparable part of the operation’s achievements. The IDF is committed to continuing to accompany, care for, and support the wounded of the operation and all IDF wounded and disabled veterans. This is our profound moral and ethical responsibility to those who fought and continue to fight for the state.”
Lieutenant General Zamir also praised Rambam’s medical teams as well IDF personnel from the Casualty Unit and RAM 2 Corps for their important and meaningful work, both in routine times and during emergencies.
