Samaria Terror Attack Investigation: Evacuation Failures and Heroic Combat
IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir presented the investigation into the July 24, 2026, terror attack in Samaria. Major Yuval Ezra and Captain (res.) Banyahu Malet were killed while protecting a group of hikers.
The results of an operational investigation, presented on Tuesday to IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, shed light on the events of the terror attack that took place on July 24, 2026, on the outskirts of the village of Tel in the Samaria Brigade. In this incident, battery commander Major Yuval Ezra (of blessed memory) and Home Front Defense soldier Captain (res.) Banyahu Malet (of blessed memory) were killed.
The incident began following a hike that was conducted without coordination with security authorities. Although the Samaria Brigade received preliminary information hours before the hikers set out, the initial forces were forced to accompany a group spread over a wide area. Additional fighters under the command of Major Yuval Ezra, the security coordinator of the Havat Gilad settlement, and Captain (res.) Banyahu Malet from the standby squad arrived at the scene to separate the Palestinians from the hikers.
The investigation reveals that Major Yuval Ezra charged, sought contact, and killed one of the terrorists before falling in the heroic battle. The remaining terrorists were eliminated by a platoon commander and two hikers who were IDF soldiers on leave. Regarding the death of Captain (res.) Banyahu Malet, the investigation determined it is impossible to unequivocally state whether he was hit by terrorist fire or incidental fire used to neutralize the threat.
Alongside stories of heroism, the investigation pointed to serious deficiencies: the military force on the scene was limited relative to the scale of the incident, and coordination was suboptimal. Furthermore, the investigation revealed a serious failure during the evacuation of Major Ezra, where Banyahu Malet remained wounded in the field for long minutes without military support. The Chief of Staff determined this to be an ethical and professional failure that contradicts the foundations of the IDF.
Hours later, security forces raided a hospital in Nablus and arrested two additional terrorists wounded in the attack. Following the recommendation of the Head of the Manpower Directorate, the Chief of Staff approved promoting Banyahu Malet to the rank of Captain (res.) posthumously.
IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir adopted the findings and ordered immediate implementation of lessons learned:
"This is a severe terror attack in which we lost two dear fighters. We will not accept a situation where the lives of citizens are in danger. Yuval and Banyahu sought contact, demonstrated combat capability, and prevented more severe harm. We will continue to investigate every incident professionally to strengthen our readiness."
