The IDF completed its investigation into the July terror attack on the outskirts of the village of Tel in the West Bank, in which Battery Commander Maj. Yuval Ezra and regional defense fighter Capt. (res.) Benayahu Mellet were killed, the military announced on Tuesday.
The IDF stated that investigators identified significant operational and command failures. The 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.
The investigation revealed that the hike during which the two victims were killed was conducted without authorization or coordination with security forces, who received only a few hours of advanced notice.
The IDF investigation also revealed that, after Ezra was evacuated from the scene, Mellet was left for several minutes unattended by any security forces and with only a civilian caring for his wounds.
This is a developing story.