A group of dozens of Israelis on an unauthorized hike in the village of Tell in the northern West Bank this morning clashed with Palestinians, leading to a shooting that killed Benayahu Mellet, 32, a civil defense squad member, and four Palestinians, according to the IDF. The military's initial probe said the confrontation began when a Palestinian snatched an Israeli's rifle and opened fire; an IDF platoon commander killed the gunman. The IDF is preparing a large-scale arrest operation in the area and is concerned about possible reprisal attacks.
An unauthorized hike by dozens of Israelis, including children, into the Palestinian village of Tell in the northern West Bank this morning escalated into a violent confrontation that left one Israeli and four Palestinians dead, the IDF confirmed.
According to the military's initial investigation, the group entered Areas A and B, which are normally off-limits to Israelis, without coordination. A clash erupted with dozens of locals, during which a Palestinian snatched an assault rifle from an armed Israeli civilian and opened fire. Benayahu Mellet, 32, a member of the Havat Gilad civil defense squad who had arrived at the scene, was killed; at least four other Israelis were wounded. An IDF platoon commander returning fire killed the Palestinian gunman, and three other Palestinians were also killed in the exchange. The IDF said it is still investigating how the additional Palestinians were shot.
The IDF described the attack as spontaneous, not pre-planned, but noted a sharp rise in friction incidents in Palestinian villages in recent months. The military is now preparing a large-scale operation in the Nablus area to arrest dozens of Palestinians involved in the clash. At the same time, the IDF is deploying forces to prevent possible reprisal attacks by Israelis, warning of a 'fueled atmosphere' and 'revenge sentiments.'
The Zioneer reported earlier today that MDA confirmed Mellet's death, and that the IDF was deploying forces ahead of his funeral to prevent further violence.
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