Israeli Teen Killed in Upper Galilee Trip Explosion Identified

Elazar Yair Wilensky, a 15-year-old 9th-grade student from the Ma'alot Yeshiva, has been identified as the fatality from a deadly explosion that occurred during a school trip in the Upper Galilee. The incident, which took place near Kibbutz Neot Mordechai, also left 24 others injured, with four in serious condition, seven moderate, and 13 with light injuries. The explosion happened during an annual trip for middle and high school students in an open area.

Emergency services, including MDA ambulances, intensive care units, and helicopters from MDA and the Air Force, were immediately dispatched to the scene. MDA's Jordan Subdistrict Director, Itzik Shoshan, described the rapid response to the reported explosion. The Prime Minister, Binyamin Netanyahu, accompanied by Education Minister Yoav Kisch, visited the injured students and their families at Rambam Hospital. Netanyahu instructed the Home Front Command chief to reinforce public warnings about unexploded ordnance and to conduct thorough searches of large areas for such items.

One injured student, 14-year-old Eitan Masouri, recounted to the Prime Minister how he tried to help a friend who was also wounded after realizing he himself had been hit by shrapnel in the neck. The Ministry of Education confirmed that the trip, attended by approximately 45 to 48 students and a small number of staff, had been approved by the ministry. They stated that they are working with security forces and professionals to support the students, staff, and families affected by the "extremely difficult event."

The IDF reported that initial investigations suggest the explosion was likely caused by a Hezbollah cluster munition left in the area. The IDF is continuing to investigate the incident and search the region. Police Commissioner Dany Levy also assessed the situation at the scene with Northern District Commander Meir Eliyahu, praising the work of the police and sappers. As a precautionary measure, all trips to the area have been temporarily suspended until the full circumstances of the disaster are clarified.