Israel's Disgrace: The Case of Jailed IDF Hero Sa'ar Ophir

On the morning of October 7, 2023, as Hamas launched a devastating assault on southern Israel, killing over 1,200 people and taking 250 hostages, Sa'ar Ophir sprang into action. According to reports from VINnews and other Israeli media, Ophir, a civilian at the time, grabbed a weapon and rushed south to join hastily assembled forces combating the terrorists marauding through border communities.

Alongside just three other fighters, he is credited with eliminating 49 Hamas operatives, rescuing trapped Israelis in kibbutzim, and preventing the bodies of fallen security personnel from falling into enemy hands, all while under heavy fire. For several days, Ophir fought relentlessly, earning praise as a “dedicated Israeli citizen” who risked his life to save others.

Journalist Yair Altman released exclusive footage on July 10, 2024, showcasing Ophir’s heroism, including scenes of him engaging Hamas fighters under intense combat conditions. The footage, shared widely on social media, bolstered public support for Ophir, with many calling for him to receive national recognition for his bravery.

Despite his valor, Ophir’s story took a contentious turn in July 2024 when Israeli police raided his Tel Aviv apartment, damaging his and his brother’s belongings (the latter was fighting in Gaza at the time). Authorities arrested Ophir on suspicion of murdering a Gazan “Nukhba” attacker, a member of Hamas’s elite unit. during the October 7 chaos.

The accusation stemmed from video evidence, reportedly forwarded to Israel by a foreign source, showing a neutralized Palestinian being beaten to death. The prosecution initially suspected Ophir and two others, including a reservist named Yifrach, of involvement.

Ophir himself denied being present at the alleged execution, and the Jerusalem Post reported that while a killing likely occurred, it was not committed by Ophir or the other two suspects investigated. The court’s decision sparked public outrage, with some accusing “lefty activists” and the Israeli justice system of targeting a hero to appease international critics.

An emotional scene unfolded at the Supreme Court today during a hearing on the continued detention of Ophir.

Dozens of supporters, including Knesset members Yitzhak Kroizer, Tali Gottlieb, and Limor Son Har-Melech, attended the hearing. When Ophir entered the courtroom, he was met with applause and cheers. At the same time, his younger brother, who had not seen him in nine months, burst into tears.

Ophir's family is requesting that he be released to house arrest until his trial begins.

"We came to the High Court of Justice on behalf of Sa'ar. The prosecution is persecuting and tormenting him," his mother, Dr. Nirit Ophir, told Arutz 7. "The trial has not yet begun, and we will come to court with a long defense brief that is already ready and will prove his innocence." His lawyer, Adv. Romach Shavit, added, "Nine months have passed and the trial has not started. We have not yet been given the opportunity to prove his innocence."

Also present in the courtroom was Dr. Valentina Gusek, whose daughter Margarita was murdered at the Nova festival site. She addressed Ophir directly. "Thank you for being there on October 7. If there were more people like you, fewer children would have been murdered," she said. "We will set you free, you are the real hero."

In a show of political support, MK Yitzhak Kroizer said, "I came to strengthen and support someone who on October 7 left his home to defend his home. He fought terrorists, looked them in the eye, and eliminated them on the spot. He belongs in a place where heroes like him are given recognition, but he is sitting on the defendant's bench."

MK Tali Gottlieb added, "It is regrettable that all Knesset members did not stand by Sa'ar Ophir and Tiran Galmudi, the heroes who eliminated terrorists and saved lives on that terrible day. The same judge, Kaboub, who ordered their arrest is the same judge who released a Palestinian who held a loaded weapon. Everything is so clear to me. This is the persecution of right-wing Jews who 'dared' to fight our biggest murderers."

MK Limor Son Har-Melech concluded, "We came to stand by the side of those who on October 7 saved souls in the Sha'ar HaNegev incident. Sa'ar Ophir and Tiran Galmudi should be released today. This hearing is a disgrace to the court, and the entire leadership of the state should have been here today. Their continued detention constitutes an injustice against those who acted with dedication and determination against an existential threat."