The IDF Chief of Staff accepted the findings of the investigation into the fatal shooting attack near Kfar Tel in Judea and Samaria, the military said. The probe found that the responding force operated without coordination, arrived at a numerical disadvantage, and identified failures in the evacuation of the wounded. The investigation stated it could not determine whether Capt. (res.) Binyahu Melat was killed by terrorist fire or by friendly fire.
The IDF Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, accepted the findings of the military's investigation into the fatal shooting attack near Kfar Tel in Judea and Samaria, the military confirmed Wednesday morning. The probe concluded that the responding force operated without coordination, arrived at a numerical disadvantage, and identified failures in the evacuation of the wounded. Crucially, the investigation stated it could not determine whether Capt. (res.) Binyahu Melat was killed by terrorist fire or by friendly fire from Israeli forces.
Earlier today, at 11:00 Jerusalem, the IDF published the full summary of its investigation into the June 7 attack, which killed Maj. Yuval Ezra and Capt. (res.) Melat. The initial findings, reported by The Zioneer, highlighted significant operational failures: the first responders were numerically inferior, a complete situational picture was not formed in real time, and the evacuation of the wounded was delayed. By 11:09, The Zioneer reported further details from the inquiry, including that the hike undertaken by Israeli residents in the area was not coordinated with the military, and the group moved through Areas A and B for two hours without the IDF's knowledge.
The investigation also found that the rules of engagement provided to the soldiers were clear and allowed for lethal force, addressing earlier public concerns. The Chief of Staff's acceptance of the findings formally closes the military's internal inquiry into the attack.
The unresolved question regarding the cause of Capt. Melat's death — whether he was struck by terrorist fire or by Israeli fire aimed at the attackers — remains a sensitive issue. The military has said it will implement lessons learned from the probe.
5 developments
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- DevelopingIDF signs demolition order for terrorist's home after Kfar Tel attack that killed two soldiers
- StrongIDF orders all central command soldiers to remain on base after deadly Tell attack
- DevelopingCommentary criticizes IDF rules of engagement in Judea and Samaria
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