Dutch Opposition Leader Geert Wilders Consoles Family of Israeli Victim in West Bank Shooting

Geert Wilders, leader of the Dutch opposition and candidate for prime minister, visited the family of Benyahu Malt, a reserve officer killed in a shooting attack near the Gilad Farm in the West Bank. Wilders came alongside Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria Regional Council, to offer condolences to Malt's widow and children. The visit took place during Wilders' stay in Israel as a guest of the Samaria Council, despite political controversy in the Netherlands over his trip to Israel and the West Bank.

Benyahu Malt, 32, a resident of Gilad Farm and a father of two daughters, was a security team fighter and was killed alongside Captain Yuval Ezra in the attack. His family described him as a dedicated defender of the area and a man deeply connected to the land through his agricultural work. Malt's widow, Esther, recounted how he was always the first to respond to security incidents and cared deeply for their children, preparing meals and taking them to school. She also shared that Malt crafted religious artifacts in his spare time and that they had begun building a new home he did not live to complete.

Wilders praised Malt as a true hero and expressed solidarity with the family, stating that millions in Europe share their pain and support their cause. Yossi Dagan emphasized Malt's readiness to respond to danger and said the council would continue supporting the family and developing the northern Samaria region as a way to overcome adversity. Dagan concluded by honoring Malt's memory and affirming their commitment to victory and resilience.