Israel's President, Isaac Herzog, paid a condolence call to the family of Border Police officer St.-Sgt. Barel Shmueli, who died of his wounds after being shot at the Gaza border in late August.
Shmueli's family has been very vocal about their disappointment with the IDF since his death, and have been highly critical of their practices.
"Barel, who paid with his life to serve the homeland, was a hero," Herzog told the Shmueli family. "He was a daring soldier, an example of the fighting spirit and sacrifice."
Regarding the criticism leveled at the IDF, Herzog said "We are all attentive to criticism, certainly to the criticism of parents and families, and it is important to investigate every incident, but it is also important to understand that the battlefield will never be a sterile zone."
IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Aviv Kohavi has vowed that the army's investigation into Shmueli's death will leave "no stone unturned." However, the preliminary results of the investigation seem to put no blame on the IDF's orders, but rather, on poor troop placement.
Kohavi has stood by the commanders amid the recent criticism.
Herzog, speaking to Shmueli's family, expressed complete confidence in the IDF to investigate the incident and learn appropriate lessons for the future.
"The IDF's commanders will continue to lead its soldiers in the future, as has always been done, in a professional, ethical, and most responsible manner," he said. "Without them, there would be nothing to defend our children, us, and our beloved and embattled land. Barel fell as a hero and arguments like the one that has ensued over the past week around his death must not be allowed to give succor to our enemies."