On Wednesday, August 31, 2022, 4th of Elul, 5th September, during a company exercise in the Golan Heights, Sergeant Eitan Fichman, late an armored fighter in the “Saar Megolan” formation (7th Brigade), fell after being hit by a tank turret from a vehicle. This week the findings of the investigation by the team of experts were presented which will investigate and examine the circumstances that led to the fall of the late Sergeant Eitan Fichman to the Chief of the General Staff, Major General Aviv Kochavi.
After the incident, Lt. Col. Shaul Israeli (commander of the 205th Brigade) was appointed as the head of the team of experts to investigate the fatal training accident.
From the findings of the investigation, it appears that the direct cause of death is the entry of the late Eitan into the space between the anvil and the roof of the tank turret, which caused the fatal injury that led to his death. From the findings of the investigation, it is not possible to determine with certainty what caused this. The team of experts examined in depth the variety of scenarios and the most possible reasons for the occurrence of this type of malfunction. The team analyzed the various possibilities for another occurrence similar to the unfortunate case and based on each of them formulated conclusions, lessons and recommendations to reduce the risk and chance of similar events in the future.
The expert committee expanded and examined diverse systemic areas in several units and found failures and issues that are required and can be corrected in order to reduce similar risks, such as technological solutions that will reduce the chance of entering the deadly space where the late Eitan was injured.
The commander of the Northern Command, Major General Uri Gordin, expressed his sorrow for the tragic case and noted that this was a death that should have been avoided, and emphasized that we should not accept death without the face of an enemy and that we must learn and draw lessons in order to prevent the recurrence of similar cases. The commander of the command commented on low cultural and professional norms and also referred to gaps at the systemic level. In addition, guidance on the definition of training circles for soldiers and commanders, the assimilation of the professional and safety instructions and the participation of the ground forces in the process of approving the training plans. In the meantime, he received the recommendations regarding speeding up the examination of the solutions recommended by the committee, in the technological and professional aspect.
At the end of the presentation of the investigation, the Chief of the General Staff, Major General Aviv Kochavi, once again expressed his deep sorrow for the death of the late Sergeant Eitan Fichman in tragic circumstances which are still being investigated. The Chief of Staff accepted the conclusions of the professional investigation, and directed that a survey be conducted in all IDF units, which will examine where there are weapons in which similar vulnerabilities can occur and to find technological solutions to prevent them.
Chief of Staff Kochavi: “Every military mission, whether during routine or in times of emergency, is affected by the required attention to tactical excellence, professional culture and compliance with military norms and guidelines. “Genesis orders” are the foundations that lead to professionalism in the IDF, in all the troops and arms, and they are what bind the commanders and fighters in the entire army.
In summarizing his remarks, the Chief of Staff emphasized that even during busy periods of operational employment, extra care is required for the professional and safety instructions in the operation of drills and the operation of the tank.
In addition to the investigation carried out by the team of experts, the military police investigation was opened, at the end of which its findings will be forwarded to the military attorney’s office for examination. As for the command and disciplinary measures, immediately after the end of the investigation, a decision will be made on the matter.
The main points of the investigation were presented to the Fichman family.