An Israeli commander who ordered a deadly drone strike on an aid convoy in Gaza, killing Australian woman Zomi Frankcom, says he stands by his decision to launch the attack and did not intend to harm aid workers.

This interview was conducted in October 2025, before last week’s decision by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) not to prosecute those involved in the strike.

Zomi Frankcom, 43, was working for World Central Kitchen (WCK) when she was killed in April 2024, along with six of her colleagues.

“I’m the commander, and I’m the one who gave the order to carry out the operation. I didn’t run away from the situation. I said I gave the order; don’t look for anyone else,” he said.

Colonel Mendel said he did not mean to kill any of the WCK employees, but said: “I’m not sorry for what I did.”