In a landmark ruling Sunday, the Beer Sheva District Court found two leaders of a pre-military academy guilty of negligent manslaughter for their role in the 2018 Tzafit Stream disaster that claimed the lives of 10 teenagers.
The defendants - the academy's director and the guide who led the ill-fated hike - were convicted of the lesser charge of negligent manslaughter, despite prosecutors pushing for the more serious charge of reckless homicide.
The tragic incident occurred on April 26, 2018, when a group of students from the Bnei Zion pre-military academy were caught in a devastating flash flood during a hike in the Tzafit Stream in southern Israel. Despite severe weather warnings and dangerous conditions, the group proceeded with the trek, leading to one of Israel's worst civilian disasters.
The case has sparked a national conversation about safety protocols in youth programs and outdoor activities, leading to stricter regulations and oversight of pre-military academies and educational excursions.
The convicted leaders face potential prison terms, with sentencing to be determined in the coming weeks. The court's decision to opt for the lesser charge of negligent manslaughter rather than reckless homicide could significantly impact the severity of their sentences.
The 2018 disaster sent shockwaves through Israeli society and led to major reforms in how educational institutions handle outdoor activities, particularly during inclement weather.
The tragedy also raised questions about the culture of risk-taking in pre-military programs and the balance between challenging young people and ensuring their safety.
The prosecution has not yet announced whether it will appeal the court's decision to convict on the lesser charge.
