By DAYO ADESULU
The Israeli military has released the findings of its investigation into the deadly terrorist attack near the village of Tel in the Samaria Brigade area, admitting to significant operational and command failures while praising the bravery of two officers who lost their lives protecting civilians.
The attack, which occurred on July 24, 2026, claimed the lives of Major Yuval Ezra, Battery Commander of the 411th Battalion, and Captain (Res.) Benayahu Mellet, a regional defense soldier. Several Israeli civilians, including the security coordinator of Havat Gilad, were also injured after being attacked with stones.
IDF Chief Receives Investigation Report
The findings were presented on Tuesday to the IDF Chief of the General Staff, , by Central Command chief and Judea and Samaria Division commander .
According to the investigation, the hiking trip that triggered the confrontation had taken place without the required coordination or approval from security authorities. Although the Samaria Brigade received advance information about the planned hike, officials were unable to obtain sufficient details before the group entered the area.
How the Attack Unfolded
The report stated that Israeli surveillance troops first spotted individuals throwing stones at a group of hikers, prompting security forces to respond.
An initial military force linked up with the hikers and attempted to escort them as they became spread over a wide area. Reinforcements, led by Major Yuval Ezra, later arrived alongside the security coordinator of a nearby community and Captain (Res.) Benayahu Mellet, who immediately joined efforts to protect civilians.
The three men reportedly placed themselves between the attackers and the hikers, attempting to push the assailants back toward the village.
During the confrontation, the security coordinator’s firearm was seized by terrorists, forcing the officers into close combat.
Terrorists Eliminated, But Two Officers Killed
The investigation found that the attackers were eventually neutralized. One terrorist was killed during the battle, two others were wounded, and all participants in the attack were later arrested.
Additional terrorists were reportedly eliminated by a responding platoon commander and two Israeli hikers who happened to be off-duty IDF soldiers.
Investigators concluded that Major Ezra charged directly at one of the terrorists, engaged him at close range, and killed him before he was fatally wounded.
However, the report said investigators could not determine with certainty whether Captain Benayahu Mellet died from terrorist gunfire or from incidental friendly fire during the intense exchange of fire.
Serious Operational Failures Identified
While commending the courage of the fallen officers, the investigation highlighted several serious shortcomings.
Among them:
- The responding force was too small for the scale of the attack.
- Soldiers failed to establish a complete operational picture quickly enough.
- Reinforcements and medical teams were not deployed promptly.
- Medical evacuation procedures fell below expected standards.
One of the report’s most severe findings stated that Captain Mellet remained wounded on the ground for several minutes while receiving treatment from a civilian medic without soldiers protecting him.
The IDF described this as a failure inconsistent with its operational values and ethical obligations, stressing that civilian safety should remain a top priority during such incidents.
Terrorists Captured at Nablus Hospital
Several hours after the attack, Israeli security forces launched a targeted daytime raid at a hospital in , where two wounded suspects had reportedly been taken for treatment.
Both suspects were arrested during the operation.
Posthumous Promotion Approved
Following recommendations from the IDF Personnel Directorate, Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir approved the posthumous promotion of Benayahu Mellet to the rank of Captain (Res.).
The military noted that Mellet had already been in the process of completing his officer training before his death.
IDF Orders Immediate Lessons
The investigation concluded that, despite extraordinary acts of bravery, the incident exposed operational weaknesses requiring urgent correction.
Among the recommendations were:
- Better preparation for attacks occurring near villages and open areas.
- Stronger intelligence gathering and surveillance.
- Faster deployment of reinforcements.
- Improved medical evacuation procedures.
- Strict enforcement of coordination requirements before civilian groups enter sensitive security zones.
Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir adopted all recommendations and directed that lessons from the investigation be implemented immediately across the military.
He praised the courage displayed by the fallen officers, saying they prevented what could have become a much larger massacre of civilians.
Why This Matters
The findings underscore the growing security challenges facing Israeli forces in the West Bank, where attacks near civilian communities and hiking routes have become increasingly frequent. While the investigation honours the bravery of the soldiers involved, it also highlights critical operational failures that the IDF says must be corrected to prevent similar tragedies in future.
FAQs
What happened in the Samaria terror attack?
On July 24, 2026, terrorists attacked Israeli hikers near the village of Tel in the Samaria Brigade area, killing Major Yuval Ezra and Captain (Res.) Benayahu Mellet.
What did the IDF investigation find?
The investigation identified major operational failures, including insufficient troop numbers, delayed medical evacuation, and coordination shortcomings, while also praising the bravery of the responding officers.
Were the attackers caught?
Yes. The IDF said all terrorists involved were either killed or apprehended, including two suspects arrested during a raid on a hospital in Nablus.
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