Ynet profiles the young marksman whose efforts thwarted the attempt by Hizbullah to kidnap Israeli soldiers.
Markovitz joined the army in the framework of the Hedser Yeshiva program in March 2005. He resides in the community of Gamzo, and will celebrate his 21st birthday next week.
The incident took place Monday during an ambush near the border crossing in the village of Rajar, which is located on the border between Israel and Lebanon.
“The soldiers spotted four terrorists dressed in black, and moving in an orderly fashion toward the roadblock. Behind them the soldiers noticed jeeps and motorcycles – logistic support for the abduction operation,” Elaluf recounted.
“The group was carrying an antitank missile, which was ready to be launched. They approached the force and at a distance of about 40 meters from the force, soldiers opened fire before the terrorists had a chance to respond,” he said.
Markovitz, who was the force’s marksman, “calmly conducted precise shooting. He shot, diverted the weapon, and hit all four men. The missile they were carrying blew up. Three were killed immediately, and the fourth terrorist fell on the ground, crawled for a short time and then died as well,” Elaluf described.
Marokvitz is twenty years old.
You see: The terrorists don’t stand a chance against armed, alert soldiers. They know it. We know it.
Someone pin a gold star on that man!
(5-pointed, not 6)
Soldiers fare better against terrorists who haven’t intellectually committed themselves to suicide. Which is to say, the ones who know that it’s suicide to attack in the first place decide to make their own death count for as much as possible by strapping bombs to themselves, and dressing like civilians.
This bunch apparently thought it was possible to attack and get away with it, which is why their attack was so ineffective.
Regardless, I’m glad they’re gone, and even happier that Markovitz is getting credit for keeping his head while handing his enemies theirs.
Israel’s laws on civilian firearms ownership is a serious deterrent to immigration. I’m over 40, never served in the military, but am a good shot.
Can’t even bring in a pistol or shotgun for defending my family.
Not good.