IDF Officer Lt. Col. Yuval Ezra Mourned by Family and Comrades After West Bank Attack

Hundreds gathered at the military section of Beit Dagan cemetery on Sunday evening to mourn Lt. Col. Yuval Ezra, commander of a battery in the 411th Battalion of the 282nd "Fire" Artillery Brigade, who was killed in a shooting attack near the village of Tal in the northern West Bank on Friday. His mother, Tanya, tearfully recalled his constant smile and rare kindness, saying, "You were our heart forever."

Yuval's fiancée, Timor, shared a heartfelt eulogy describing their six years together, recalling their first meeting during a military course and his promise that she would fall in love with him first, which she did. She praised his leadership and character, promising to stay strong for him and their families. His sister Daniel and brother Ariel also spoke, emphasizing Yuval's purity, leadership, and the deep impact he had on those around him.

Former battalion commander Niv Albo praised Yuval's bravery and dedication, noting that during the fatal incident, Yuval charged without hesitation to protect civilians and was killed in the line of duty. Yuval's friend Ofek described him as an inspiring leader who motivated others to pursue officer roles and fostered unit cohesion.

The attack began with a confrontation near a mosque between hikers and Palestinians, escalating when a Palestinian assailant seized a weapon from a security team member at the Givat Gilad outpost and opened fire, killing Yuval and another security team member, Benyahu Malt. The IDF stated the attacker was immediately neutralized and the stolen weapon recovered.

Yuval Ezra is remembered as a devoted soldier, beloved family member, and inspiring leader whose loss is deeply felt by his community and the Israeli military.