Benayahu Melet, 32, and Yuval Ezra, 27, have been named as the fatally-shot victims of the Friday morning terror attack near Havat Gilad.
"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.
"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.
Melet, a resident of Havat Gilad, served as a member of the community's emergency response team, and the farm's agriculture coordinator. He rushed to assist a group of hikers who had come under attack in the area. During the rescue effort, he was shot by the terrorists and killed at the scene.
He is survived by his wife, Esther, and their two daughters, ages 12 and 13.
Melet was also known for helping thwart a terror attack in 2021. While driving with his two daughters near the Eli Junction, he noticed a man wearing what appeared to be an IDF uniform in a way that aroused his suspicion.
According to Melet, the man was not carrying a weapon, his beret and boots did not match the uniform, his rank did not fit his apparent age, and he was carrying a large bag.
Melet alerted security forces and continued following the suspect until IDF soldiers arrived and arrested him. A search of the suspect's bag reportedly uncovered a hunting rifle, a knife, pepper spray, a kippah, and three berets from different IDF units. At the time, the IDF said Melet's vigilance had likely prevented a major terror attack.
In the past, Melet also spoke out against the decision to reopen the Gilad Road to Palestinian Arab traffic. He warned that allowing Palestinian Arab vehicles to use the route could endanger local residents and said that if a tragedy occurred, responsibility would lie with the IDF's decision-makers.
The Jerusalem Brigade Association said that Melet served as a platoon commander in Battalion 8119 of the Jerusalem Brigade.
In the spring of 2025, he was selected as his company's outstanding soldier, and in November he began the IDF Reserve Infantry Officers Course, which he was expected to complete in the near future. At the same time, he served with the Samaria Regional Brigade as a member of the Havat Gilad emergency response team.
Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan paid tribute to Melet, saying, "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."
A statement from the Havat Gilad community read: "'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.
"Further details regarding the funeral will be announced later."
The statement concluded with a quote from Isaiah 25:8, "He has concealed death forever, and the Lord God shall wipe the tears off every face."
President Isaac Herzog mourned, "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."