Security forces destroyed the home of the gunman behind the deadly Samaria attack that claimed the lives of IDF soldiers Yuval Ezra and Benayahu Mellet
By David Brummer
Israel security forces on Monday demolished the home of the terrorist responsible for the shooting attack in Samaria that killed IDF soldiers Yuval Ezra and Benayahu Mellet.
Troops from the IDF’s Samaria Brigade and the elite Yahalom combat engineering unit carried out the operation, together with Border Police forces active in Judea and Samaria. The demolition took place less than three weeks after the attack.
The timing carried particular significance for the soldiers involved. Battalion 411, the artillery battalion in which Ezra served as a battery commander, carried out the action on what would’ve been his birthday.
“The IDF will continue proactive and offensive operations to thwart terrorism throughout Judea and Samaria and bring to justice those who seek to harm the citizens of Israel,” the military said.
Last week, the IDF published the findings of a command-level investigation into the incident.
According to the inquiry, a group of hikers at the center of the attack entered the area without obtaining the required security coordination or authorization. Several hours before the trip began, the Samaria Brigade received preliminary information about the planned hike and attempted to gather additional details.
The confrontation began when military observers spotted Palestinians throwing stones at the hikers. Troops were dispatched to the scene, followed by additional forces under Ezra’s command. Havat Gilad’s civilian security coordinator and Mellet also joined. Together, they worked to separate the hikers from the attackers and drive the assailants back toward the nearby village.
Investigators found that after the security coordinator’s weapon was taken during the clash, Ezra and Mellet acted to shield civilians and confront the terrorists. Ezra charged one of the gunmen, engaged him at close range and killed him before being fatally shot.
The investigation was unable to determine with certainty what caused Mellet’s death. Officials said it remains unclear whether he was struck by terrorist fire or by incidental fire during the battle.
All of the terrorists involved in the attack were eventually killed. Two additional suspects were wounded and later arrested.
The inquiry pointed to several operational shortcomings, including an insufficient initial force, difficulties in establishing a clear picture of the developing situation, and delays in the arrival of reinforcements and medical personnel.
Investigators also cited the fact that Mellet remained wounded at the scene for several minutes without military medical support. During that time, he was treated by a civilian medic.
IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir accepted the findings and ordered the immediate implementation of the lessons learned. Acting on a recommendation from the head of the Manpower Directorate, he also approved Mellet’s posthumous promotion to the rank of Captain (Res.).
The military said Mellet had been completing the final stages of his officer training at the time of his death.
