Dutch Opposition Leader Geert Wilders Consoles Family of Israeli Soldier Killed Near Gilad Farm

Geert Wilders, the Dutch opposition leader and leading candidate for prime minister, visited the family of Benyahu Maltz, an Israeli reserve sergeant killed in a deadly shooting attack near Gilad Farm in the northern West Bank. Wilders came alongside Yossi Dagan, head of the Shomron Regional Council, to offer condolences to Maltz's widow Esther and their children. The visit took place during Wilders' trip to Israel as a guest of the Shomron Council.

Benyahu Maltz, 32, was a dedicated combat soldier and commander who was among the first responders to security incidents in the area. He was killed alongside Major Yuval Ezra in the attack on Friday. Maltz was also known for his bravery during a large fire in the region the day before his death. He came from a longstanding farming family and was a devoted father to his two daughters, named to reflect their deep connection to the land of Israel.

During the visit, Esther Maltz shared memories of her husband’s courage, love for the land, and devotion to his family. She described how he cared for their children while she worked as an archaeologist and how he crafted religious artifacts in his spare time. Wilders praised Benyahu as a true hero and expressed solidarity with the family, saying millions in Europe share their pain and support their cause.

Yossi Dagan emphasized Maltz’s heroism and sacrifice, noting that families like his form the security backbone of Israel’s northern Shomron region. He thanked Wilders for his courageous support amid political controversy in the Netherlands over his visit to Israel and the West Bank. Dagan pledged to continue building and strengthening the Shomron area in honor of Maltz’s legacy. "May Benyahu’s memory be blessed," he concluded.

The visit highlights international political support for Israeli communities in the West Bank and honors the memory of soldiers who have fallen defending them.