The IDF Spokesperson published the full probe into the July 24 terror attack near Kfar Tel in Samaria that killed two soldiers. The investigation found that the military force that arrived was limited relative to the scale of the attack, but ruled that the rules of engagement were clear and allowed forces to remove the threat. The cause of Binyahu Melat's death could not be definitively determined — possibly from terrorist fire or from fire aimed at neutralizing the terrorists. The Chief of Staff approved promoting Melat posthumously to the rank of captain.
The IDF Spokesperson published the full investigation into the July 24 terror attack near Kfar Tel in Samaria earlier today (Wednesday, 10:58 Jerusalem). The probe found that the military force that arrived at the scene was limited relative to the scale of the attack, but ruled that the rules of engagement were clear and allowed forces to eliminate the threat. Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir approved the posthumous promotion of Staff Sergeant Binyahu Melat to the rank of captain. However, the investigation could not conclusively determine whether Melat was killed by terrorist fire or by fire aimed at neutralizing the assailants.
Earlier thread items reported that the hike was unauthorized and had passed through Areas A and B without military coordination for two hours before being spotted by a lookout at 07:27. The responding force from the 282nd Artillery Regiment's 411th Battalion was deemed too small. During the evacuation of Major Yuval Ezra, Melat remained wounded in the field for several minutes, treated only by a civilian medic. The Zioneer reported on July 24 that Melat was a member of the Havat Gilad emergency response team and was killed while defending hikers. Footage released on July 29 showed Melat drawing his pistol and firing at the terrorists even after being wounded. The IDF signed a demolition order for the terrorist's home on August 4.
Melat was a prominent figure in the Samaria settlement movement, serving on the Havat Gilad emergency response team and founding the 'Struggle Over Every Dunam' forum, which focuses on establishing and maintaining Jewish presence in strategic areas of Judea and Samaria. The attack occurred amid heightened friction between local residents and Palestinian mobs in the region. The investigation also noted that the political echelon prevented the IDF from evacuating illegal outposts established in the area for nearly two weeks after the attack, straining forces, as reported in earlier thread items.
What remains open: The cause of Melat's death cannot be definitively determined. The IDF stated it is possible he was hit by crossfire directed at the terrorists. The full investigation report is available on the IDF website.
12 developments
- StrongIDF investigation: Kfar Tel attack rules of engagement were clear, but wounded soldier left with civilian medic
- DevelopingUnverified calls on Telegram demand military action in Samaria amid ongoing Havat Gilad attack
- DevelopingStone-throwing attack on hikers near Tel; IDF responds with crowd dispersal
- StrongTwo IDF soldiers killed in Samaria terror attack; IDF Central Command vows intensified operations
Source and signal
- Open-source intake