IDF soldiers. A new recruit to the IDF’s Givati Brigade collapsed and died during physical fitness training. Photo: Twitter.

JNS.org – A new recruit to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Givati Brigade collapsed and died on Tuesday during physical fitness training at a base in the Negev desert.

Private Yehuda Suisa, 19, from the town of Beit Uziel, had enlisted in the army on Monday. The cause of his death is still unknown. Among other things, the IDF is looking into the possibility that he may have suffered from a heart condition or congenital defect.

The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit said in a statement, “The IDF offers its condolences to the family and will remain by its side. Brig. Gen. Nadav Padan, head of the army’s 162nd Armored Division, has suspended all intensive activities in the division until the initial investigation is completed.”

GOC Southern Command Maj. Gen. Eyal Zamir appointed Col. Itzik Cohen, commander of the Arava Brigade, to head the investigative committee into Suisa’s death.

In August, IDF soldier Dan Sela, 18, died of heatstroke while on an army trip to Jerusalem. He, too, was a new recruit. That same month, a 44-year-old soldier in the IDF reserves, Sgt. Maj. Zacharia Gil, collapsed and died after feeling chest pain while running.