The IDF proposal. Photo: Screenshot.

An Israeli Defense Forces reserves officer called up for Operation Protective Edge, on Tuesday gave his visiting girlfriend the surprise of her life when he asked for her hand in marriage – in front of his own platoon, Israel’s Ma’ariv daily reported.

Lihi and her friends, employees of well-known chef and restaurateur, Haim Cohen, together with a mobile kitchen, all arrived in the area where her boyfriend, Lt. Shai, was deployed with his troops.

Little did she know, however, that Shai, and her boss, had arranged the event behind the scenes under the ruse of bringing some gourmet cuisine to soldiers used to eating field rations, and canned army chow.

He popped the question, as per tradition, on bended knee, and Cohen broke open a bottle of champagne to celebrate the occasion.