Israeli Security Volunteer Benyahu Malat Killed While Rescuing Attack Victims Near Gilead Farm

Benyahu Malat, 32, a resident of Gilead Farm in the Samaria region and a member of the local security team, was killed on Friday morning while assisting Israeli hikers attacked near the village of Tel, close to Gilead Farm. Malat, who was also responsible for agriculture at the farm, rushed to help the group under attack by dozens of Palestinians. During the rescue operation, he was shot by terrorists and died at the scene. He left behind his wife Esther and two daughters aged 12 and 13.

Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria Regional Council, eulogized Malat as a "true hero who fought to save lives," recalling his dedication to protecting the land and his previous bravery during an arson attack at Gilead Farm. Dagan emphasized Malat's lifelong commitment to the security and growth of the settlement despite enemy opposition.

The attack was unusual in its scale and circumstances. The Palestinian assailants seized the security team's weapon and used it to fire at the hikers. Eyewitnesses identified the village sheikh as the one who took the weapon and carried out the shooting. Three others were wounded in the attack. Malat’s efforts to document and expose organized Palestinian land takeovers in the region were well known, and he actively opposed Palestinian Authority plans to build a neighborhood on the Joshua Altar site on Mount Ebal.

Following the attack, Israeli Defense Forces killed the terrorist responsible and recovered the stolen weapon. Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir held a situation assessment and ordered reinforced security deployments to strengthen defenses and capture all involved terrorists. The community expressed deep sorrow and pledged support to Malat’s family, with funeral details to be announced later.