The Israel Defense Forces announced Friday afternoon that Ezra, a resident of Herzliya, was killed while carrying out operational duties near the Arab village of Tal.

“Major Yuval Ezra, a resident of Herzliya, served as an Artillery Battery Commander in the 411th Battalion, 282nd Brigade, and fell during operational activity” near the Arab village of Tal, the IDF announced Friday afternoon.

The military also confirmed the death of Melet, who was serving in the reserves while protecting his hometown.

“Master Sergeant (Res.) Benayahu Melet, from Yitzhar, served as a combat commander in the 8119th Battalion of the Jerusalem Brigade (16), and fell during operational activity while serving as a local defense security guard” near the town.

A resident of Havat Gilad, Melet was a member of the community’s emergency response team and also served as the community’s agricultural coordinator. When reports came in that hikers were under terrorist attack nearby, he rushed to the scene to assist. During the rescue effort, he was shot and killed by the attackers.

He is survived by his wife, Esther, and their two daughters, ages 12 and 13.

Melet had previously earned recognition for preventing what security officials believed could have been a devastating terror attack in 2021. While driving with his daughters near the Eli Junction, he noticed an individual wearing what appeared to be an IDF uniform but displaying several suspicious inconsistencies.

He later explained that the man was unarmed despite the uniform, his boots and beret did not match, the military rank on his uniform seemed inconsistent with his age, and he was carrying an unusually large bag.

After notifying security forces, Melet continued tracking the suspect until soldiers arrived and arrested him. Authorities reportedly found a hunting rifle, a knife, pepper spray, a yarmulka, and three berets from different IDF units inside the suspect’s bag. At the time, the IDF credited Melet’s alertness with likely preventing a major terrorist attack.

Melet had also publicly opposed reopening the Gilad Road to Palestinian Arab traffic, warning that the decision would place nearby Jewish communities at greater risk. He argued that if lives were ultimately lost, responsibility would rest with those who approved the policy.

The Yerushalayim Brigade Association said Melet served as a platoon commander in Battalion 8119 of the Jerusalem Brigade.

In the spring of 2025, he was honored as his company’s outstanding soldier. Several months later, in November, he entered the IDF Reserve Infantry Officers Course, which he was nearing completion of. Alongside his reserve duties, he continued serving with the Samaria Regional Brigade as part of Havat Gilad’s emergency response team.

Samaria Regional Council chairman Yossi Dagan remembered Melet as an extraordinary individual whose devotion to his family, community, and country defined his life.

“He was an exceptional young man, a man among men. I have known him since he was a child. He had a heart of gold, was a truly devoted family man, loved the Land of Israel with all his soul, and came from a deeply-rooted family. He was dedicated to protecting Israel’s national lands and was a scholar involved in research on Israel’s security. I remember him during the arson attack at Havat Gilad on Saturday, running to save lives.”

“Today as well, he courageously rushed to save lives during the terror attack. We will always stand by his wife Esther and the entire family. At this difficult moment, we embrace the beloved family and the residents of Havat Gilad. Despite our enemies’ intentions, the communities of Samaria will continue to grow and become even stronger.”

The Havat Gilad community also issued a statement mourning the loss of one of its own.

“‘How the mighty have fallen…’ With profound pain and great sorrow that we announce the murder of Benayahu Melet, may G-d avenge his blood, in a terror attack by lowly terrorists while rescuing a group of hikers in the area.”

“Our hearts are with Esther, Tair, Eretz, Adama Ivriya, and the entire Melet family, and we will do everything we can to support them.”

The statement concluded with a posuk from Yeshayah 25:8, “He has concealed death forever, and the Lord God shall wipe the tears off every face.”

President Isaac Herzog also expressed his condolences following the attack.

“The heart breaks upon hearing the news of the murder of Benayahu Melet, a member of the alert squad of Havat Gilad, in the severe terror attack in Samaria.”

“I send my deepest condolences to his dear family, his friends, and the community of Havat Gilad, and I pray for the complete recovery of the wounded.

“I strengthen the security forces operating with determination to protect Israel’s citizens. Against the murderous terror that seeks to harm our lives and our security, we must stand united and resolute. We will not allow terror to prevail.”

{Matzav.com}