Benyahu Melat, 32, a resident of Havat Gilad, a member of the settlement's emergency response team and responsible for agriculture on the farm, was murdered this morning (Friday) in a serious shooting attack near the farm.
Benyahu went to help the group of hikers who were attacked near the settlement, and during the rescue operations he was shot by terrorists and murdered.
Benyahu left behind his wife Esther and two daughters - ages 12 and 13.
The head of the Samaria Regional Council, Yossi Dagan, eulogized: "Elem, the most charming of men, I have known him since he was a child, a man with a heart of gold, a true and dedicated family man, who loved the Land of Israel with all his soul and was a member of a family with deep roots. He was dedicated to protecting the nation's lands, was a scholar and engaged in research on Israel's security.".
""I remember him from the arson incident on Saturday at Gilad Farm, running to save lives. In today's attack, he also jumped heroically to save lives.".
""We will always be with his wife Esther and all the family members. In these moments we embrace the dear and beloved family and Havat Gilad. Despite the hatred and wrath of our enemies, the settlement in Samaria will grow and become even stronger.""
The Havat Gilad settlement issued a statement to residents: "How heroes have fallen... With great pain and sorrow we announce the murder of Benyahu Melat in an attack by despicable terrorists during the rescue of a group of hikers in the area.
""Our hearts are with Esther, Tair, the land and land of Hebraia, and the entire family of Melat, and we will help them in every way we can.".
Thwarted an attack
The attack occurred when Palestinians gathered around a group of about 60 hikers and attacked them, following which security forces and the IDF were rushed to the scene.
This is a security-compliant trip, which began at Har Bracha and was on its way to Havat Gilad and from there to Kedumim.
During the incident, a Palestinian terrorist grabbed the weapon of a police officer who arrived at the scene and opened fire.
MDA reported that after attempts at resuscitation, Melat was pronounced dead at the scene. Ichilov Hospital reported that two gunshot victims were evacuated by helicopter to the emergency department, one of whom is in critical condition and medical teams are fighting for his life, and the other is in serious condition.
Melat, a former commander and fighter, was known for an incident in which he helped thwart an attack in 2021. While traveling with his two daughters, he noticed near the Ali junction a man wearing an IDF uniform in a manner that aroused his suspicion. According to him, the man was not carrying a weapon, his beret and shoes did not match the uniform, his ranks did not match his age, and he was carrying a large bag.
Melat called the security forces and continued to follow the suspect until IDF soldiers arrived, who arrested him. A search of his bag reportedly found a shotgun, a knife, pepper spray, a kippa, and three berets from different units.
The IDF estimated at the time that Melat's alertness helped prevent a significant attack.
In the past, Melat spoke out against the decision to open the Gilad Highway to Palestinian traffic. He warned that opening the highway could endanger the security of residents.
