An IDF investigation into the circumstances of the death of Ofer Moskowitz, Z’l, who was killed on Sunday in Kibbutz Misgav Am, revealed that he was accidentally killed by an Israeli artillery shell.

It was initially believed that Moskowitz’s car was hit by Hezbollah anti-tank fire or a rocket.

The IDF stated, “Yesterday, Ofer (“Pushko”) Moskowitz was killed as a result of fire in the Misgav Am area. In the evening, an inquiry into the incident was held under the leadership of Northern Command chief Maj. Gen. Rafi Milo, together with other senior commanders. The findings of the initial investigation show that Ofer (“Pushko”) Moskowitz was killed by artillery fire carried out to assist forces operating in the southern Lebanon area. His family has been informed.”

“The commander of the Northern Command concluded that the incident involved several severe operational failures and errors in both the planning and execution of the fire. The shelling was carried out at an incorrect angle and not in accordance with the required procedures. As a result, five shells struck the Misgav Am ridge instead of enemy targets.”

“The conclusions of the inquiry will be drawn and studied by all relevant bodies. The IDF regrets the incident and shares in the grief of the Moskowitz family and the Misgav Am community at this difficult time.”

“The IDF will conduct a further in-depth investigation with full transparency, present its findings to the family, and afterward to the public.”

The tragic incident occurred on Monday morning, when Moskowitz’s vehicle sustained a direct hit inside the kibbutz. Ofer, a legendary figure in the Upper Galil who managed 400 dunams of avocado orchards along the border and served as the kibbutz’s spokesperson, was trapped in his vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene.

Residents of Misgav Am reported that no siren was heard before the impact, which raised questions about the source of the fire.

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)