IDF probe finds farmer killed in north yesterday was hit by Israeli shelling, not a Hezbollah attack

A military investigation has found that 60-year-old Ofer Moskovitz, a farmer killed while driving in the northern border community of Misgav Am yesterday, was hit by errant Israeli artillery shelling, and not by a Hezbollah attack.

The IDF says that the investigation, led by Northern Command chief Maj. Gen. Rafi Milo and other senior officers, found that Moskovitz was killed by artillery shelling that was intended to assist troops operating in southern Lebanon.

The investigation found “several severe issues and operational errors” in the planning and firing of the artillery shells.

“The shelling was carried out at an incorrect angle and not in accordance with required procedures. As a result, five shells struck the Misgav Am ridge instead of enemy targets,” the military says.

The IDF says the investigation’s conclusions will be “reviewed by all of the relevant bodies.”

“Moskovitz was killed by our own forces’ fire during an operation whose entire purpose was to protect them,” Milo says, describing the case as a “very severe incident.”

The IDF says it informed his family of the findings, “expresses its regret over the incident and extends its deep condolences to the Moskovitz family and the Misgav Am community at this difficult time. ”

A further investigation into the incident is planned, which the military says will be presented “with full transparency” to Moskovitz’s family and later the public.

Read more: Ofer Moskovitz, killed close to Lebanon border, poured heart and soul into his beloved north