A Beersheba family court judge on Friday ruled that the sperm of Yotam Haim, an Israeli hostage who was mistakenly killed by troops after escaping Hamas captivity in Gaza, may be used to conceive a child, saying it was his express wish before his death.

In a statement hailing the end of “a year and a quarter of honorable and respectful legal and governmental proceedings,” the Haim family said “the State of Israel took an important step forward,” calling the decision “a significant point of light for bereaved families, and a source of pride for us.”

“From our perspective, this is a significant and emotional milestone – but no less than that, it inspires and opens a pathway for other families in a similar situation. This is the beginning of a long journey,” the family added.

They went on to thank the State Attorney’s Office, as well as their own legal team, and “the nation of Israel, for their endless support.”

Yotam’s mother Iris has previously said she is seeking a surrogate mother for his child who will not only provide the egg and carry the child, but also raise them. Judge Ariel Maman noted that Iris requested his written decision be published, both due to its public importance and to aid in the search for a potential mother.

In his decision, Maman noted that there is no clear legislation about such a case, and said he was forced to rule based on precedent and his own judgment. The State Attorney’s Office last May approved of the Haim family’s request on principle, but said it required proof that using Yotam’s sperm to conceive a child after his death would have been his will.

Yotam was 28 when rampaging Hamas terrorists abducted him from Kibbutz Kfar Azza on October 7, 2023. On December 10 of that year, he was mistakenly killed by Israeli troops in........

© The Times of Israel