tragedy: The late Uri Mekhtayev, an 18-year-old Border Guard soldier, was killed today (Sunday) in a shooting incident at a private home in the area.
After the gunshot that hit the soldier's head, MDA teams called to the scene attempted to perform prolonged CPR on him, ultimately having to declare him dead.
The police suspect that this was a bullet discharged during a game of gunfire, and two people involved in the tragic incident were detained for questioning - one of them a soldier in the IDF and the other a friend of the police officer who was killed.
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After an initial investigation, the incident was transferred to the investigating military police.
The late Mekhtayev enlisted in the Border Guard in November 2025, and served in the Warrior Training Brigade.
He is survived by his parents and two brothers. His father, Ronen Maktaev, serves as Deputy Commissioner of Fire and Rescue.
Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir paid tribute: "With deep sorrow and a broken heart, I received the news of the fall of Border Guard soldier Uri Mekhtaev, the son of my dear friend, Sergeant Ronen Mekhtaev, Deputy Commissioner of Fire and Rescue. Uri, only 18 years old when he fell, chose to serve the country like his father on the front lines of security activities in the Border Guard's training division. There are no words that can comfort parents and siblings who lost their dearest one prematurely.
""On behalf of myself and the citizens of Israel, I send warm condolences to his father, family, and friends. The Israel Police and the Border Guard will continue to accompany you and cherish the memory of Uri forever. May his memory be blessed," said Ben Gvir.
Fire Commissioner, Chief Rabbi Eyal Caspi, issued a statement of condolence in which he wrote: "The Mekhtaev family has been connected to the fire department for many years. The family's grandfather served as commander of the Bat Yam station. And the deputy commissioner's two brothers hold senior command positions in the fire department. The fire department family shares in the heavy mourning of the dear family, embraces them and will continue to accompany the family always.".
The police said: "A report was received by the police regarding a shooting incident in a private home in the Azor settlement. Police officers who arrived at the scene noticed MDA teams who determined the death of a young man, after they attempted CPR on the spot.
""At this stage, two people involved are detained and professionals are handling the incident with the necessary sensitivity.".
Hillel Hamawi, head of the ZAKA team in the area, and ZAKA volunteer Oshi Rosenberg, who are handling the difficult scene: "The ZAKA center rushed us to a house in the Azor settlement. It was a young man who was shot and the rescue forces who arrived at the scene pronounced him dead at the scene. With the assistance of additional ZAKA volunteers, we are taking care of the dignity of the deceased and collecting the numerous findings, and are assisting the ZAPA investigators who are working at the scene.
""The body will be transferred for further treatment and investigation to the National Institute of Forensic Medicine.".
