Two Commando Brigade officers were killed on Wednesday night in a friendly fire accident following security-related operations near a base in the Jordan Valley, the military confirmed in the early hours of Tuesday morning. IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi was en route to the scene, where he will personally oversee the investigation, the military said.
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The two officers were later identified as Maj. Itamar Elharar, 26, and Maj. Ofek Aharon, 28. According to available details, they were killed as a result of a two-way shooting prompted by misidentification. The IDF Spokesperson's Unit said the families of the two officers have been notified.
According to Army Radio, the initial investigation revealed that the two officers, both company commanders with the Egoz special forces unit – an elite reconnaissance unit specializing in counter-guerrilla warfare – had just concluded a drill in the firing zone of the Nabi Musa base, and were patrolling around it when they identified a suspicious figure. They began carrying out the necessary procedure to arrest him, including firing in the air.
They were then shot at by another IDF soldier who misidentified them as terrorists who had infiltrated the base and were firing at him. The officers were mortally wounded and pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
The Nabi Musa area, south of Jerusalem and off the road that leads to the Dead Sea, is frequently used for combat training by infantry units and Armored Corps.
IDF Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Ran Kochav told Army Radio that the military will task a senior officer to head the inquest into the grave event, regardless of the investigation launched by the Military Police, which investigates any death in military ranks.
"This is a tragic event," he said. "The two commanders, the best among our sons – this is a painful loss. ... Every few years an incident of this nature takes place. When we're dealing with an elite unit and such young soldiers the pain is worse."
Commenting on the tragedy on Twitter, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett wrote, "This is a very sad morning. I would like to send my heartfelt condolences to the families of the two officers who were killed overnight in a tragic accident.
"The two commanders had dedicated their best years to the security of Israel and defending our homeland. The entire people of Israel mourns for them. The IDF is investigating the difficult incident and the necessary lessons will be learned. May their memories be blessed."
Prime Minister-designate Foreign Minister Yair Lapid tweeted, "This is a difficult, painful morning. My heart breaks for the two Egoz combat officers who were killed in a friendly fire incident. I send condolences to their family, friends, and their unit. Stay strong. The IDF is investigating this sad incident. May their memories be blessed."
Defense Minister Benny Gantz tweeted, "I am deeply saddened by the death of two Egoz officers in the Jordan Valley this morning. Unfortunately, nothing can console their families, friends, and comrades. The military is sparing no effort to investigate this incident and we will do everything within our power to make sure such a tragedy does not happen again. May their memories be blessed."
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