Asaf Hamami

Asaf Hamami (; December 2, 1982 – October 7, 2023) was an IDF officer with the rank of colonel, serving as the commander of the Southern Brigade in the Gaza Strip. Prior to that, he served as the commander of the Negev Brigade, commander of the Oz Brigade training school, and commander of the Tzabar Battalion.

On October 7, 2023, during the battles of the Hamas-led attack on Israel, he was killed defending kibbutz Nirim. His body was taken to Gaza by Hamas militants. Along with Roi Levy, Yonatan Steinberg and Yitzhak Ben-Bashat, they are the most senior officers killed in the IDF in this war.

Biography Hamami enlisted in the IDF in 2001, was placed in the Givati Brigade and accepted into the Givati Reconnaissance Battalion. He underwent training as a fighter, an infantry commanders' course, and an infantry officers' course. Upon completing the course, he returned to the Reconnaissance Battalion and was appointed a team commander. Later, he served as the commander of the training company in the Givati Brigade. He was then appointed the commander of the support company in the Rotem Battalion. In April 2010, he received the Chief of Staff's Citation from Gabi Ashkenazi. He later served in command positions in the Maglan Unit. A funeral proceeding for Hamami was performed without his body. The funeral was attended by thousands, including senior military officers and the Israeli Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant.

Hamami's 6-year-old son, who was present during the attack, was hidden by Hamami's soldiers in one of the rooms at the base along with his father. Only about 10 hours after the attack began was the child taken from the base and returned to his mother.

On 2 November 2025, Hamami's remains were handed over by Hamas militants to Israel.

Personal life Hamami was married and a father of three. He held a Bachelor's and master's degree in Political Science and Security from the University of Haifa. He lived in Kiryat Ono.