The IDF's investigation into the July 24 terror attack near Kfar Tel in Samaria concluded that the rules of engagement were clear and allowed forces to use fire to neutralize the threat, according to the probe. The investigation identified several operational failures: an insufficient number of forces arrived at the scene, a full situational picture was not formed, and during the evacuation of Maj. Yuval Ezra, Sgt. Maj. Binyahu Melat remained wounded in the field for several minutes treated only by a civilian medic. The probe also stated that the cause of Melat's death cannot be conclusively determined, and it is possible he was hit by crossfire directed at the terrorists.
The IDF's investigation into the July 24 terror attack at the Kfar Tel junction in Samaria, released this morning at 10:58 Jerusalem, concluded that the rules of engagement were clear and permitted forces to open fire to neutralize the threat. However, the probe identified several operational failures: an insufficient number of troops arrived at the scene, a full situational picture was not established, and during the evacuation of Maj. Yuval Ezra, Sgt. Maj. Binyahu Melat remained wounded in the field for several minutes, treated only by a civilian medic without a military presence. The investigation also stated that the cause of Melat's death cannot be conclusively determined, and it is possible he was hit by crossfire directed at the terrorists.
The attack on July 24 killed two IDF soldiers: Maj. Yuval Ezra and Sgt. Maj. (res.) Binyahu Melat. As The Zioneer reported on July 24 at 16:55 Jerusalem, footage from the scene showed the terrorist walking calmly after the attack with no soldiers intervening. On July 29 at 10:33 Jerusalem, new footage showed Melat, after being wounded, drawing his pistol and firing at the assailants. The IDF later signed a demolition order for the terrorist's home, as The Zioneer reported on August 4 at 11:26 Jerusalem. The investigation summary released today follows earlier reports of a "serious failure" in the medical evacuation and uncertainty over whether Melat was killed by friendly fire.
The investigation found that the hike that preceded the attack was not coordinated or approved by the military, and that the responding force was too small for the scale of the incident. The Chief of Staff determined that Ezra was killed by terrorist fire, while the cause of Melat's death remains uncertain. The political echelon prevented the IDF from evacuating illegal outposts established in the area for nearly two weeks after the attack, straining forces, as The Zioneer reported on July 24.
The probe's inability to determine the exact cause of Melat's death leaves open the question of whether he was killed by enemy fire or by friendly crossfire. The IDF stated that both possibilities remain under consideration. No disciplinary action has been announced against the soldiers who participated in the unauthorized hike.
12 developments
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