An IDF investigation into the July 24 terror attack near Tell, close to Nablus, found major failures in military coordination and response.
The probe said the Israeli hike that preceded the attack took place without security approval, despite the Samaria Brigade receiving preliminary information hours earlier.
When Palestinian attackers confronted the group, the initial IDF force was too small and additional troops failed to build a complete operational picture. Reinforcements and medical support were delayed.
Maj. Yuval Ezra and local security team member Benayahu Mellet placed themselves between the attackers and civilians. Ezra killed one terrorist at close range before being fatally wounded. Mellet was also killed after an assailant seized a weapon and opened fire.
Investigators found Mellet remained wounded for several minutes with only a civilian medic present and no military protection.
IDF Chief Eyal Zamir called the incident a serious failure while praising both men’s exceptional courage.
