Court Permits Parents of the Late Major Ofek Bachar to Use His Sperm
The Rishon LeZion Family Court granted in-principle permission to the parents of the late Major Ofek Bachar to use his sperm to conceive a child. Because Bachar did not leave a written will and did not have a partner at the time of his death, the court determined his wishes based on testimony.
Key facts
- •Court: Rishon LeZion Family Court
- •Judge: Rivka Makayes
- •Decision date: August 10, 2026
- •Date of death: October 16, 2024
- •Ofek Bachar’s age: 24
- •Case number and statute: Not specified
The Officer’s Death and His Parents’ Application
Major Ofek Bachar, a company commander in the Golani reconnaissance unit, was killed on October 16, 2024, in a battle with Hezbollah terrorists in southern Lebanon. He was 24. Immediately after his death, his parents signed consent forms for sperm retrieval and organ donation, and subsequently initiated legal proceedings to obtain permission to use his sperm to conceive his child.
How the Court Determined the Deceased’s Wishes
During a trip to Athens in July 2024, Bachar spoke with his father, Udi, about the possibility that he might be killed and asked him to ensure that he would have children if he did not return from the war. Two of his close friends from the Egoz Unit also told the court that he had said he wanted his parents to ensure the continuation of his lineage in the event of his death. Senior Judge Rivka Makayes found the testimony credible and consistent, and concluded that Bachar wanted children to be born to him even after his death.
The Permission Is Not Yet Final
On August 10, 2026, the court granted the parents in-principle permission to use the deceased’s sperm to conceive a child. However, this is not final approval to carry out the procedure: after selecting the intended mother, the parents will be required to apply to the court again and obtain separate approval. The case number and the statutory provisions applied are not specified in the material presented.
What this means for you
The decision shows that, in the absence of a written directive, the court may examine the deceased’s oral statements and corroborating testimony from people close to him to determine his wishes. However, in-principle permission is not sufficient to begin the procedure: after the intended mother is selected, new judicial approval will be required.
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