Ofer (Pushko) Mushkovitz, z”l, was a symbol of settlement and agriculture among the residents of the Upper Galilee. Following the incident, a professional investigation team was established, headed by the Chief Artillery Officer, Major General Ehud Bibi, to investigate the incident and draw lessons. The investigation was presented earlier today to his family. The investigation revealed that the firing occurred during an operational event with close support for our forces’ maneuver. It was also found that the malfunction resulted from the convergence of several operational variables and suboptimal firing conditions. Alongside this, no negligence was found, nor was any ethical failure found on the part of the personnel involved in the battery’s firing process. As part of drawing lessons, the Commander of the Ground Forces, Major General Nadav Lotan, ordered the issuance of an operational directive concerning artillery fire over settlements and civilian facilities. This directive is stricter than the current existing guideline. The investigation was presented to the Chief of Staff by the Commander of the Northern Command, the Commander of the Ground Forces, and the Chief Artillery Officer. The Chief of Staff accepted the investigation’s findings and determined that it was a professional and instructive investigation of operational firing during wartime, from which lessons must be learned and implemented promptly. The Chief of Staff emphasized that he accepts the conclusion that there was no negligence in the commanders’ decision-making process during the incident concerning the circumstances. Additionally, he ordered a review of all safety components in the incident, particularly the issue of battery deployment near settlements, in order to reduce the risk of firing over settlements. Furthermore, the Chief of Staff ordered that the investigation’s findings be presented to the family. From the words of the Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Aviv Kochavi: “This is a difficult and regrettable incident, in which an Israeli civilian, Ofer Pushko Mushkovitz, z”l, a man of the North and a pillar of the Misgav Am community, was killed as a result of IDF fire. The battalion and battery have been operating continuously and professionally since the beginning of the campaign to remove the threat and attack enemy targets. The incident resulted from the convergence of several factors, including aspects of the firing calculation system, concealment conditions, and a malfunction in the terrain calculations. This is an incident that requires drawing lessons. We must examine and refine all safety components, particularly the method of deployment and fire operation near settlements, to prevent risk to our citizens. We will draw the necessary lessons and continue to operate responsibly in order to continue protecting the residents of the North. The IDF expresses deep sorrow to the family and the community.” The investigation’s conclusions will be implemented and taught among the commanders and soldiers of the corps. The IDF regrets the incident and shares in the sorrow of the Mushkovitz family and the Misgav Am community.

IDF Press Release

See Full Bio