Brig. Gen. Tzuri Sagi, IDF legend who secretly advised Kurdish rebels in Iraq, laid to rest

Brigadier-General Tzuri Sagi, a renowned IDF paratrooper and architect of Israel's relations with Kurdish rebels, passed away at the age of 92 on Thursday in Tel Mond. Accompanied by his family, including his wife Tzipa and son Yair, Sagi was celebrated for his impressive military career and dedication to Kurdish relations.

Sagi's 32-year service in the IDF included operational positions in the regular Paratroopers Brigade, the reserve Paratroopers Brigade, and command of regional brigades in various strategic locations. In 2012, he was honored with the Ramat Gan honorary citizen award for his support of the Paratroopers Brigade.

One of his most significant contributions was his role in forging Israel's relationship with Kurdish rebels. As a respected commander and thinker, Sagi played a pivotal role in the early days of the 890 Battalion, promoting a shift from defensive to offensive warfare. During one reconnaissance mission in the Gaza Strip, he displayed exceptional courage and resourcefulness by infiltrating enemy territory and successfully completing a mission against armed Egyptian fighters.

Sagi's leadership skills were further exemplified during Operation Olive Leaves and the capture of Sharm el-Sheikh during the Six-Day War. In the Yom Kippur War, he commanded a brigade-level force on the Golan Heights and later led the Paratroopers Brigade in the Syrian "enclave." Known for his candid discussion of fear in battle, Sagi was described as a caring and courageous leader by his soldiers.

Beyond his IDF roles, Sagi played a crucial role in supporting Kurdish rebels in Iraq. He trained Kurdish officers and fighters, later becoming the head of Israel's military delegation in Kurdistan in 1966. His efforts during the 1960s and 1970s led to a warm pro-Israel sentiment among Kurdish communities in Iraq, a rare occurrence in the Muslim world, and contributed to the display of Israeli flags in Kurdish areas.