IDF Investigation Finds Possible Friendly Fire in West Bank Clash Killing Two Israelis

The IDF published an investigation into a violent confrontation in the Palestinian village of Tal in the West Bank, where two Israelis, Lt. Col. Yuval Ezra and reserve officer Binyahu Malat, were killed about two weeks ago. The report revealed that the settlers' unauthorized hike through the village led to clashes with local Palestinians. It also could not rule out that Malat was hit by IDF gunfire during the incident.

The night before the event, the IDF's Judea and Samaria Division received intelligence about settlers planning a hike in the area but lacked details on the route or timing. Attempts to coordinate with the organizers failed. Another hike south of Itamar was secured by the IDF. The Tal hike began at 5:30 a.m. from the Har Bracha settlement, passing through Palestinian-controlled areas (Area B and Area A) and near the Gilad Farm.

At 7:27 a.m., an IDF observer spotted the group, prompting deployment of forces from the nearby Sela outpost. Shortly after, violent clashes erupted involving stone-throwing Palestinians. An IDF quick reaction force arrived to separate the sides but split to treat a wounded Israeli, leaving the company commander alone with the hikers amid the fighting.

Lt. Col. Ezra and three soldiers, including Malat, were dispatched to the scene. During the melee, two terrorists seized a soldier’s weapon and opened fire at close range for nearly two minutes. Both terrorists and IDF soldiers, including Ezra and Malat, fired weapons. Four terrorists were killed, two wounded. Ezra was shot in the head and died after exchanging fire with one terrorist. Malat was killed by terrorist gunfire, but the IDF cannot exclude that he was also hit by friendly fire, as no autopsy was performed.

The soldier whose weapon was stolen was shot in the head and shoulder while attempting to return fire. The investigation praised Malat’s bravery in trying to separate the sides, describing his actions as "exceptional heroism." However, a serious failure was identified: while Ezra and the wounded soldier were evacuated, Malat was left untreated for several minutes near the terrorists’ bodies and was only later treated by a civilian medic. The IDF concluded that the military force and medic should have provided immediate care.

Two active-duty soldiers on leave also participated in the unauthorized hike, which the IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi condemned. New regulations for soldiers will be issued soon. The police are investigating potential criminal conduct by the hike organizers. Although Malat had not completed officer training, Halevi promoted him posthumously to captain, which will be reflected on his tombstone.