IDF troops fire mortar shells (Archive)
Photo: AFP
Did technological failure cause soldier's death?
Initial probe shows that mishap in mortar launching system killed IDF soldier Nadav Rotenberg during Gaza border clash Friday
An initial probe shows that IDF soldier Nadav Rotenberg died during a clash with terrorists Friday as result of a friendly fire incident stemming from a technological failure.
The initial probe showed that the failure apparently affected one of the computerized systems that aim the fire. As it turned out, a different mishap in the system caused some shells to deviate off course during a training session a few months ago.
The data fed into the mortar launching system used by forces during the incident were accurate and were checked twice before firing, the inquiry showed. A team of experts set up by IDF Southern Command Chief Tal Russo will look into the circumstances of the tragic incident in more depth in the coming days.
Tragic Incident
Hanan Greenberg
Sergeant Nadav Rotenberg, 20, killed during exchanges of fire with terrorists approaching security fence; another soldier moderately wounded, three more lightly hurt when mortar fired by IDF force accidentally hits them
Until the IDF finds a way to ensure no similar mishaps repeat, the advanced computerized system, which is usually accurate, will not be used.
The system in question, Keshet, enables troops to fire mortar shells quickly and at a great rate – some 16 shells per minute. The system's usual accuracy allows the army to utilize it against terrorists operating within civilian areas or near IDF forces. Keshet had been used by the IDF for the past six years and had proven effective in combating small, elusive terrorist cells. The three previous mishaps associated with the system resulted from human error.
Friday's incident, which killed one soldier, also left four troops wounded, including an officer who sustained moderate injuries. Officials realized early on that the soldiers were hurt by friendly fire, after doctors at the hospital removed shrapnel from the victims' bodies. The terrorists involved in the clash used the mayhem and darkness to flee the scene.
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