Benyahu Malt's Heroism Revealed in Deadly West Bank Attack

The full investigation into the deadly attack last Friday in the Sela Ridge area between Mount Bracha and Havat Gilad is ongoing, with no definitive conclusions yet due to the complex firefight involving multiple weapons. However, video analysis and eyewitness accounts have already highlighted the bravery of Benyahu Malt, the deputy security officer (Ravshatz) of Havat Gilad, and several other hikers, including a Golani Brigade soldier on leave.

The attack began when dozens of Arab assailants threw stones at the hikers, prompting the Shomron Brigade to dispatch Malt and the Havat Gilad Ravshatz to the scene. Footage from the event, including videos filmed by attackers and analyzed by journalist Elchanan Gruner, shows Malt severely wounded with a shattered left hand and upper body injury. Despite his wounds, Malt managed to draw his pistol and shoot several attackers, killing at least one and wounding others before collapsing.

Another Golani soldier on leave also engaged the attackers, shooting and neutralizing one assailant and wounding another while Malt was pinned to the ground and fighting to retain his weapon. Malt was eventually able to escape the scene despite his injuries and was evacuated by rescue forces. Prior to this, a reserve soldier on leave fired at the main attacker who had disarmed Malt, hitting him and aiding in the defense.

Malt’s widow, Esther, praised his heroism both in life and death, calling for full support for soldiers to shoot without fear of investigation and for the dismantling of the attackers’ village, as well as the cancellation of the Oslo Accords and establishment of new settlements in the area. Shomron Regional Council head Yossi Dagan also honored Malt as a lifelong devoted defender of Israel who saved lives until his last breath and vowed to continue strengthening the land.

The investigation continues with ballistic tests to clarify the details of the firefight and the sources of gunfire amid conflicting rumors. The incident underscores the ongoing security challenges in the West Bank and the sacrifices of those protecting Israeli communities there.