Two IDF officers were killed overnight Wednesday during security-related operations near an IDF base in the Jordan Valley.
The officers have been identified as Major Ofek Aharon, 28, from Gan Yavneh; and Major Itamar Elharar, 26, from Bnei Re'em. Both of them were company commanders in the IDF's Egoz Unit.
Elharar is survived by his parents Debby and Motti, and his siblings Guy, Noa, Ohad, and Michal, as well as by his wife of one year.
The officers were killed as a result of a misidentification that led to a two-way shooting. The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit said the families of the two officers have been notified.
An initial investigation revealed that the two officers went on patrol around the bases, identified a suspicious figure, and carried out a procedure to arrest a suspicious person that ended with firing in the air. One of the fighters in the unit thought it was a terrorist incident and that shots were being fired at him - so he opened fire on the two officers.
Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said, "This is a very sad morning. I would like to send 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," he added. "May their memories be blessed."