Widow of West Bank Terror Victim Urges Soldiers to Use Firepower Without Hesitation

Esther Malt, widow of Binyahu Malt who was killed in a deadly attack near the village of Tal in the West Bank, visited the site of the murder with her brother on Monday morning. She condemned the current rules of engagement, calling them "absurd," and urged Israeli soldiers not to hesitate to open fire on terrorists. Esther emphasized that the enemy remains the same and criticized the hesitation to use weapons, which she believes contributed to her husband's death.

She described the attack as a planned ambush involving around 150 terrorists from the village, armed with rocks and clubs. Esther expressed frustration that the village remains intact despite Israeli military actions elsewhere, contrasting it with the destruction of villages in Gaza. She appealed directly to Israeli authorities, including the government, defense minister, and regional commanders, to change the rules of engagement to prevent further losses.

Esther praised her late husband as a brave fighter and a dedicated soldier who knew the terrain well. She called on Israeli civilians and soldiers to prioritize survival over caution, saying it is better to face imprisonment than death. She also highlighted the personal loss, noting that her daughters are now fatherless but will carry on his spirit. Esther concluded by stating that there is no difference between the Palestinian Authority and other hostile groups in the region, and all should be treated as the same enemy.