Hundreds at the funeral of Benyahu Malet; two terrorists arrested
Security forces arrested two terrorists in a Shechem hospital who were wounded in the attack that claimed the lives of Staff Sergeant (res.) Benyahu Malet and Major Yuval Ezra. The Judea and Samaria Division is preparing for a major counter-terrorism operation. Crowds gathered in Havat Gilad for the funeral of Benyahu Malet.
Hundreds are gathered to pay their final respects to Staff Sergeant (res.) Benyahu Malet, who was murdered this morning in a terror attack near Havat Gilad while responding to assist hikers.
The IDF and Shin Bet announced the arrest of two terrorists involved in the shooting attack in Samaria. The suspects were apprehended during a targeted operation by Duvdevan unit fighters, under the command of the Samaria Brigade and directed by the Shin Bet, in the heart of Shechem (Nablus). The terrorists, who were wounded during the attack, were taken to a hospital in Shechem, where they were arrested by security forces for further investigation. Efforts to apprehend the remaining participants in the attack are ongoing, and their identities are known.
The Commander of the Central Command stated in a discussion with settlement leaders:
"The Judea and Samaria Division forces are preparing for a significant counter-terrorism operation and are working to arrest all the terrorists involved in the attack."
The first to step up
Staff Sergeant (res.) Benyahu Malet, 32, a member of the standby squad and responsible for agriculture at Havat Gilad, was murdered by terrorist gunfire after jumping to assist a group of hikers under attack. Among those attending the funeral were Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu, head of the Samaria Regional Council Yossi Dagan, ministers, and Knesset members.
Benyahu is survived by his wife Esther and two daughters, aged 12 and 13. He was known as a central figure in Havat Gilad, a man of the land, and a dedicated member of the standby squad who acted with unwavering commitment to the security of the settlement.
"14 years that ended in a moment"
Esther, Benyahu's wife, eulogized:
"14 years together, that ended in a moment. You always jumped first to every place and returned last from every event. This time too, there was no question. It was clear to me that you were there. I wasn't afraid when I saw all the helicopters, because you always return. Only this time you didn't return at all. If it is any comfort, you earned military recognition as a soldier who went out to protect those who needed it. This land, this soil, and this people occupied you day and night. You were busy developing new settlement points this morning, and from there you were called to the incident. That is your legacy. I hope that justice will be done, and that they will eliminate the despicable terrorists. Thank you for the years we had together. I love you more than anything in the world, and I already miss you."
Major Yuval Ezra, a battery commander in the 411th Battalion of the 282nd Fire Brigade, was also murdered in the attack. He will be laid to rest on Sunday.
