Israeli military officials have determined that a farmer’s death resulted from their own artillery fire rather than enemy attack, according to findings released one day following the tragic incident.
The investigation, conducted under the leadership of Northern Command chief Maj. Gen. Rafi Milo and other high-ranking military officials, revealed that Ofer “Pushko” Moskovitz died when Israeli artillery shells mistakenly hit kibbutz Misgav Am instead of their intended target in southern Lebanon. The artillery support was meant to aid Israeli troops conducting operations across the border.
Military investigators discovered that five artillery rounds struck various locations within the kibbutz community. Two shells hit a residential building, two more struck vehicles positioned near the community store, and the fifth shell hit Moskovitz’s vehicle directly. Officials stated that the chain of mistakes leading to this tragic outcome should never have happened and remains under continued examination.
The investigation revealed that artillery crews fired the rounds at an improper angle while failing to follow established protocols, causing all five shells to impact the Misgav Am ridge area rather than reaching enemy targets. Military leadership indicated they would review these conclusions and implement necessary changes across affected units.
Military officials have informed Moskovitz’s family of the investigation results and expressed deep regret over the incident while offering condolences to both the family and the broader Misgav Am community. A more detailed and transparent follow-up investigation will take place, with results being shared with the family first before public release.
Community members remembered Moskovitz as a prominent and respected leader within Misgav Am, describing him as a dedicated farmer, community spokesperson, and central figure in local affairs. Residents said his passing would leave a lasting impact on the entire Galilee region.
During a recent television interview with N12, Moskovitz had spoken passionately about his deep connection to the land, explaining that farming represented their entire way of life and that they remained committed to building a future in that location. He had expressed his dream that future grandchildren would someday walk through the orchards and understand them as his personal legacy.
