In this Pulse of Israel video, Avi Abelow explains why this tragedy exposes a far deeper crisis than a single terrorist attack. Jewish families hiking near Havat Gilad were attacked by jihadi Arab assailants. Benaya rushed to defend them and, as seen in the videos of the incident, repeatedly tried to avoid using deadly force, even using his rifle as a club rather than firing. Moments later, after his weapon was seized by the village Sheikh, he was fatally shot.

Avi argues that this tragedy reflects a broader problem: Israeli soldiers, security personnel, and armed civilians often fear the legal consequences of using force in self-defense. He discusses concerns raised by reservists, elected officials, and others about Israel’s current rules of engagement, the influence of military legal oversight, and whether existing policies discourage decisive action against imminent threats.