IDF Investigation Confirms Lt. Colonel Yuval Ezra Killed by Terrorist Fire in West Bank Attack

The IDF Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, received the findings of the investigation into the shooting attack near the village of Tal, where Lt. Col. Yuval Ezra, commander of a battery in the 411th Battalion, and reserve Captain Benyahu Malt were killed. The attack also injured the security coordinator of the settlement of Givat Gilad and several civilians who were stoned during the incident. The investigation was presented by Central Command Chief Maj. Gen. Avi Blot and Judea and Samaria Division Commander Brig. Gen. Kobi Heller.

The inquiry revealed that the hiking trip was not coordinated or approved by security forces as required. Prior intelligence was received hours before the trip, and attempts were made to gather details. The initial IDF force was deployed after reports of stone-throwing at the hikers. Additional troops, including Lt. Col. Ezra and Malt, rushed to the scene to separate the Palestinians from the Israeli hikers and push the attackers back into the village.

During the confrontation, terrorists seized the security coordinator's weapon. Ezra engaged directly with the terrorist who took the weapon, killing him but was fatally shot in the process. The terrorists involved were killed or captured, with two arrested after a raid in a hospital in Nablus. The investigation could not conclusively determine whether Malt was killed by terrorist gunfire or friendly fire during the neutralization effort.

The report criticized the limited size of the military force relative to the scale of the attack, poor situational awareness, and delays in medical evacuation, noting Malt was left wounded on the ground for several minutes without military medical personnel. The investigation also highlighted the need for improved coordination and readiness for such attacks, which are increasing in frequency in open areas near villages.

Chief of Staff Zamir endorsed the findings and emphasized the importance of learning from the incident at all levels, praising the bravery of Ezra and Malt for protecting civilians. He stressed adherence to operational procedures and coordination requirements for entering sensitive areas. Zamir also commended the swift arrest of the terrorists and called for continued enhancement of intelligence capabilities. He concluded by reaffirming the IDF's commitment to protecting Israeli civilians and improving operational preparedness.