Paramedic Recalls Heartbreaking Moment He Declared Death of Israeli Hero Benyahu Malt After West Bank Attack

Shlomo Meir, a paramedic and resident of Yitzhar, shared a harrowing account of his efforts to save Benyahu Malt, a well-known settler and security team member, who was fatally shot in a terror attack near Givat Gilad in the West Bank. The attack occurred on a Friday morning when Malt bravely intervened to protect a group of Israeli hikers assaulted by a mob of terrorists. Meir described arriving at the scene under immediate threat, providing initial treatment to a wounded man before joining the evacuation of Malt, who was critically injured.

During the ambulance ride, Meir realized the severity of Malt's condition and the likelihood of his death. He recounted the somber moment when he had to officially declare Malt dead on site, cleaning blood from his hands and belongings before handing the body over to the ZAKA rescue organization. Meir expressed deep anguish and a desire for justice, stating, "I want to scream, I want revenge! I don’t want to bury the blood on my hands and clothes; I want it to stay before my eyes forever."

Reflecting on the broader security situation, Meir lamented the ongoing violence in the region, recalling other victims he treated from nearby villages and junctions. He emphasized his commitment to remembering the victims and holding onto the painful images as motivation for a future day of retribution against the perpetrators. Meir concluded with a hopeful prayer for a "great day of true, pure revenge" when justice will be served for the bloodshed.

The attack near Givat Gilad is part of a series of violent incidents in Judea and Samaria, underscoring the persistent security challenges faced by Israeli communities in the West Bank. Malt’s death has resonated deeply within the settler community and among Israeli security forces, highlighting the risks borne by those who protect civilians in volatile areas.