IDF Chief Receives Full Report on Deadly Terror Attack Near West Bank Village Tel

Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir reviewed the comprehensive investigation into the terror attack on July 24, 2026, near the West Bank village of Tel in the Samaria Division. The attack resulted in the deaths of Lieutenant Colonel Yuval Ezra and Reserve Captain Benyahu Malt, with additional injuries to local security personnel and civilians. The inquiry was presented by Central Command Chief Major General Avi Blot and Judea and Samaria Division Commander Brigadier General Kobi Heller.

The investigation revealed several operational failures, including the unauthorized and uncoordinated nature of the hiking trip, which was unknown to the IDF despite prior intelligence attempts to gather information. The group, comprising dozens of hikers of all ages, traversed both Area B and Area A territories without military coordination. The initial IDF force dispatched was small relative to the scale of the violent confrontation involving multiple assailants throwing stones and engaging in gunfire.

During the incident, the security coordinator's weapon was seized by attackers, prompting Ezra, Malt, and others to courageously engage the terrorists, ultimately neutralizing them. Ezra was killed in the firefight, and Malt was fatally wounded under circumstances that remain unclear, possibly from terrorist or friendly fire. The report criticized the delayed medical evacuation of Malt, who was left wounded on-site for several minutes without military medical support.

Following the attack, IDF forces arrested two wounded terrorists at a hospital in Nablus, closing the operational circle. The Chief of Staff emphasized the need for strict adherence to coordination protocols for all activities in the West Bank and praised the swift and professional response of the forces involved. He underscored the importance of learning from the tactical and systemic shortcomings exposed by the event to improve future readiness and protect Israeli civilians.

The IDF expressed deep condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and committed to ongoing support. The Chief of Staff highlighted the bravery of Ezra and Malt, who prevented greater harm to civilians, and reaffirmed the army's commitment to thorough investigations and operational improvements.