IDF investigation: Kfar Tel attack rules of engagement were clear, but wounded soldier left with civilian medic

The Israel Defense Forces released the findings of a comprehensive probe into the terror attack at the outskirts of Kfar Tel, an incident that has drawn intense scrutiny regarding military preparedness and the clarity of open-fire regulations. According to the military, the rules of engagement provided to the troops were unambiguous and permitted the use of lethal force to neutralize the threat. This finding directly addresses public concerns that soldiers may have felt legally or procedurally restricted during the initial moments of the engagement.

Operational Failures Identified

Despite the clarity of orders, the investigation identified several critical failures in the IDF's response. The military noted that the initial force dispatched to the scene was too small, resulting in a numerical inferiority that hampered the ability to secure the area quickly. Furthermore, commanders failed to form a complete situational picture in real-time, which delayed the arrival of reinforcements and medical support. The probe also confirmed that the group of Israeli residents involved in the incident had been hiking in Areas A and B for approximately two hours without military coordination or approval.

Medical Evacuation and Cause of Death

A central finding of the report involves the treatment of Staff Sgt. (res.) Binyahu Melat. The IDF described as a "serious failure" the fact that during the evacuation of Maj. Yuval Ezra, Melat remained wounded in the field for several minutes. During this critical window, he was treated solely by a civilian medic without any military presence until additional forces arrived. Regarding the cause of Melat's death, the IDF stated it could not definitively determine whether he was struck by terrorist fire or by accidental fire from Israeli troops who were working to neutralize the assailants. Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir has received the findings, which emphasize the need for better coordination and situational awareness in such high-friction environments.