School Trip Tragedy Near Lebanon Border: One Dead, 19 Injured by Unexploded Ordnance

One person was killed and approximately 19 others were injured on Monday during a school trip when an unexploded ordnance detonated near Kibbutz Yiftah and Kibbutz Menara, close to the Lebanese border. Two of the injured are in serious condition, three are in moderate condition, and the rest sustained minor injuries. The group consisted of students and teachers from the ORT Ma'alot school, who were hiking a section of the Israel National Trail. The route itself was approved by the Ministry of Education and cleared by the IDF and police. However, the Ministry of Education's approval chain for the trip is now under review. Ministry guidelines require schools to complete a multi-step approval process before students depart, including contacting the Bureau for Tourism Coordination, obtaining approval, final sign-off from school management, and updating the situation room. These guidelines detail responsibilities before and during activities, as well as procedures for injured students. The process involves submitting requests via the Nature Reserve Authority website, receiving confirmation, and securing final school management approval. Updates to the situation room are mandatory before departure and even if a trip is canceled. The guidelines also mandate that educational institutions verify that activity providers have valid insurance. In the event of an injury, a medical escort determines the need for evacuation and the appropriate transport method. School management must inform parents and arrange for adult supervision during any evacuation. A specific form is provided to assist with payment arrangements and potential exemptions for medical treatment following an accident. School principals are required to report any incident requiring medical attention, regardless of location, through a designated online system and to regional and security officials.