IDF Chief Reviews Findings of Deadly Terror Attack Investigation in West Bank's Kfar Tapu

Two Israeli soldiers, Lieutenant Colonel Yuval Ezra and Reserve Captain Benyahu Malat, were killed in a terror attack near the West Bank village of Kfar Tapu about two weeks ago. The attack also injured the security coordinator of the nearby settlement of Havat Gilad and several civilians hit by stone-throwing. The investigation was presented to IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir by Central Command Chief Major General Avi Blot and Judea and Samaria Division Commander Brigadier General Kobi Heller.

The probe revealed that the hiking trip during which the attack occurred was conducted without the required security coordination and approval. Intelligence about the trip was received hours before it began, prompting attempts to gather more details. The initial IDF force was deployed after reports of stones being thrown at the hikers. Additional troops, including the fallen Lt. Col. Ezra and Reserve Captain Malat, arrived at the scene to separate Palestinians from the Israeli hikers and push the attackers back into the village.

During the confrontation, the attackers were neutralized, with two killed and others wounded or arrested. Lt. Col. Ezra was killed in close combat after killing one of the terrorists. The investigation could not conclusively determine whether Malat was killed by terrorist fire or friendly fire during the engagement. The rules of engagement were deemed clear and appropriate for the threat.

The inquiry also found operational shortcomings, including insufficient troop numbers relative to the scale of the attack, poor situational awareness, delayed medical evacuation, and a critical failure where Malat remained wounded on the ground for several minutes receiving care only from a civilian medic without military protection. This was described as inconsistent with IDF values prioritizing civilian safety.

Following the attack, security forces arrested two wounded terrorists in a daylight raid at a hospital in Nablus. The Chief of Staff approved posthumous promotion of Malat to captain, noting he was undergoing officer training. Central Command emphasized the rising frequency of such attacks near villages and the need for thorough preparation and readiness. Zamir praised the fallen soldiers’ bravery and vowed to implement lessons learned to improve operational responses and protect Israeli civilians.