Israeli Reservist Benyahu Malat Killed Trying to Rescue Hikers in West Bank Attack

Benyahu Malat, a 32-year-old Israeli reservist and resident of the West Bank settlement Havat Gilad, was laid to rest on Friday at the Havat Gilad cemetery. Malat was killed in a shooting attack near the settlement after bravely rushing to aid a group of hikers under attack. The funeral was attended by rabbis, regional council head Yossi Dagan, government ministers, and Knesset members including Yitzhak Wasserlauf, Orit Strook, Ze'ev Elkin, Amit Halevi, and Limor Son Har-Melech.

In his eulogy, Malat's father called for decisive action against the Palestinian Authority, which he described as a terrorist organization, urging the state to dismantle it and intensify deterrence measures. Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu praised Malat's self-sacrifice, recalling how he and his comrades entered danger to save others, emphasizing the ongoing struggle against enemies opposing Israeli settlement growth.

Malat's cousin, Eitan, spoke emotionally about his vision and dedication to settling the land, recalling recent conversations about expanding settlements even into Lebanon. Malat's wife, Esther, mourned her husband of 12 years, highlighting his commitment to the land and his role as a loving father to their two daughters aged 12 and 13. Malat served as an active reservist, security team member, and agricultural coordinator in the community. He was killed during the rescue attempt when militants shot him at the scene.

Family and friends described Malat as a central figure devoted to the land and community, always the first to volunteer for any mission, a trait that ultimately cost him his life while trying to save others. He was buried near Rabbi Raziel Shevach, another young man from the community who was killed at age 32. The funeral underscored calls for justice and retaliation against the attackers.