The Israel Defense Forces are unmatched in the Middle East. But seven more of its soldiers died in fighting on Monday, bringing the total to 25 Israelis killed since ground operations began last Thursday. That’s because Hamas is better on the battlefield than before.The Israel Defense Forces are unmatched in the Middle East. But seven more of its soldiers died in fighting on Monday, bringing the total to 25 Israelis killed since ground operations began last Thursday. That’s because Hamas is better on the battlefield than before.