Deadly Shooting Attack Near Givat Gilad Kills Israeli Security Guard, Injures Others

Israeli security forces continue investigating a deadly shooting attack that occurred on Friday near Givat Gilad in the West Bank. The attack resulted in the death of Benyahu Malat, a 30-year-old member of the local security team, who was married with children. Two other Israelis were wounded, one in critical condition and another seriously injured. The incident took place during a hike involving about 30 Israeli civilians, including children, near the Palestinian village of Tal, close to Nablus.

According to initial investigations, the group entered the outskirts of Tal and approached the village mosque, where they encountered dozens of Palestinians. A confrontation ensued, prompting members of the Givat Gilad security team and IDF forces, including the regional company commander, to intervene to protect the hikers and disperse the attackers. During the clash, several militants managed to seize a security team member's personal weapon and opened fire on the group and security personnel.

Benyahu Malat was killed while assisting in the rescue and defense efforts. Three Israelis were injured, with one evacuated by helicopter to Ichilov Hospital in critical condition, another seriously wounded, and a third with lighter injuries. IDF forces returned fire, killing the shooter and recovering the stolen weapon. The Palestinian Health Ministry reported four Palestinians killed and four wounded, three of them seriously.

Following the attack, the IDF reinforced its presence in the West Bank by deploying five additional companies, bringing the total to 24 battalions in the area amid concerns of further escalation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a special security meeting with the Defense Minister and IDF Chief of Staff to discuss response measures, stating, "We will act forcefully against the terrorists and their sponsors and will not allow terror in Judea and Samaria to raise its head."