Slain soldier Maayan Pearlstein's mother: They were sitting ducks in outdated APC

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) continues to mourn the loss of its soldiers following yesterday’s tragic ambush in Khan Yunis, with the death of 20-year-old Staff Sgt. Maayan Baruch Perlstein, one of seven fallen warriors from the 605th Combat Engineering Battalion. The attack, which occurred on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, saw an improvised explosive device (IED) detonate on a Puma armored personnel carrier (APC), engulfing it in flames and claiming the lives of the entire crew.

Maayan’s mother, speaking to Ynet studio in a heart-wrenching interview, revealed that her son and his crew had repeatedly raised alarms about the outdated vehicle’s lack of protection. “There was some Zoom call with the new battalion commander, and they talked to him about the need to replace the outdated APCs, and he said they were working on it,” she said, her voice heavy with grief. When asked if the soldiers were aware of their vulnerability, she confirmed, “It was something that was discussed, they knew they weren’t sufficiently protected.”

The attack, likely carried out by Hamas operatives who attached the IED to the APC, has sparked scrutiny of the Puma’s armor, based on an older tank design and lacking modern defenses like slat armor. Maayan, from Ashhar, was among the brave soldiers who perished as the vehicle burned, a loss that has left his family and community devastated. His mother’s plea highlights the sacrifices made by soldiers who served despite known risks.

As the military grapples with this tragedy, Maayan’s memory joins that of his comrades, including Staff Sgt. Ronel Ben-Moshe, whose funeral was held earlier today. The fallen heroes’ courage and the urgent need for improved equipment remain at the forefront as the IDF continues its mission in Gaza.