Command failures led to Yuval Ezra, Benayahu Mellet's deaths in West Bank attacks, IDF announces

The IDF has concluded its investigation into the July terror attack near the village of Tel in the West Bank, which resulted in the deaths of Battery Commander Maj. Yuval Ezra and regional defense fighter Capt. (res.) Benayahu Mellet. The investigation identified significant operational and command failures as contributing factors to the tragedy.

According to the IDF, the hike during which the two victims were killed was conducted without authorization or coordination with security forces, who were only given a few hours' notice. Additionally, after Ezra was evacuated from the scene, Mellet was left unattended for several minutes with only a civilian providing care for his wounds.

These findings were presented to IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir by Central Command chief Maj.-Gen. Avi Bluth and Judea and Samaria Division commander Brig.-Gen. Kobi Heller.

Brief written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.