IDF exposes the phenomenon of uncoordinated hikes in Judea and Samaria

A senior officer in the Central Command stated on Friday that dozens of hikes take place throughout Judea and Samaria every week in coordination with the IDF. However, alongside these, many groups do not coordinate their activities, leading the military to discover them only in retrospect. This occurs against the backdrop of an explosive period in the region, fears of further attacks, and rising friction between Palestinian and Israeli populations.

The officer emphasized that the IDF facilitates hiking in any area under Israeli security control through a structured operational process. This requires full coordination of the route and safety procedures with the regional brigade of the Judea and Samaria Division.

The attack near Tel: A lack of cooperation

Addressing the July 24 attack on the outskirts of the village of Tel, which falls under the Samaria Brigade’s responsibility, the officer highlighted the difficulties in gathering operational intelligence. The attack resulted in the deaths of Major Yuval Ezra, battery commander in the 411th Battalion, and Captain (res.) Benyahu Malet, a territorial defense soldier. The security coordinator of Havat Gilad and other civilians were also wounded.

"We had only fragmented knowledge of a hike planned for the late night hours," the officer explained. "The brigade attempted to clarify the details but encountered a lack of cooperation from the organizers. Conversely, a hike in the southern Itamar area proceeded safely because we initiated contact with the organizers, defined the route, and deployed security forces."

Following an investigation, Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir determined that the hike was uncoordinated. The IDF insists that all settlers and visitors must follow established procedures with regional brigades to ensure their safety, particularly when visiting sensitive sites like Joseph's Tomb in Nablus or Solomon's Pools.

Sequence of events

The officer detailed the events leading up to the attack. The group departed from the settlement of Bracha at approximately 05:30. The route passed through Area C, entered Areas B and A, and then moved back into Area B. The group consisted of a long line of dozens of people, including children and the elderly.

"Until 07:27, the hike proceeded without incident and without the knowledge of IDF forces in the sector," the officer said. "At that time, a lookout from the direction of Yitzhar identified the group and raised the alarm. From that moment, the company and platoon stationed at the Sela post were scrambled." Following the attack, the IDF launched a series of arrests in the sector and transferred dozens of suspects for Shin Bet interrogation.