IDF Chief Reviews Investigation into Deadly July Attack Near West Bank Settlement

On July 24, 2026, a deadly attack occurred near the West Bank settlement of Tal, in the Shomron Brigade area, resulting in the deaths of Lieutenant Colonel Yuval Ezra and reserve Captain Benyahu Malat, both of whom were involved in the defense forces. The attack also injured the security coordinator of the settlement of Havot Gilad and several civilians hit by stone-throwing.

The Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, received the findings of the investigation on July 25, presented by Central Command Commander Major General Avi Blot and Judea and Samaria Division Commander Brigadier General Kobi Heller. The inquiry revealed that the hiking trip during which the attack occurred was conducted without the required coordination and approval from security authorities. Several hours before the trip, preliminary intelligence was received by the Shomron Brigade, which attempted to gather details about the excursion.

The initial IDF force was deployed following reports from observers who identified stone-throwers targeting the hikers. The troops joined and escorted the group as it spread over a wide area. Additional soldiers arrived at the second confrontation point, quickly intervening to separate Palestinians from the Israeli hikers and push the attackers back into the village. When the security coordinator’s weapon was seized, the forces acted courageously to save civilians and neutralize the terrorists.

Lieutenant Colonel Ezra engaged the attackers and killed one before being killed himself. The investigation could not conclusively determine whether Captain Malat was killed by terrorist gunfire or friendly fire during the counterattack. A serious failure was noted during the evacuation of Ezra, as Malat was left wounded on the ground for several minutes, treated only by a civilian medic without military presence, which contradicts IDF values prioritizing civilian safety.

Video analysis and testimonies highlighted Malat’s exceptional bravery, fighting despite severe injuries. He was deployed to the scene after dozens of rioters began throwing stones at the hikers. Additionally, Golani Brigade soldier Sh., who was on leave and part of the hike, shot and killed one attacker and wounded another while protecting the wounded security coordinator, enabling his escape. The coordinator later died from his wounds.