Northern Israel Council Head Demands IDF Sweep for Unexploded Ordnance After Fatal Incident

Following a fatal incident in the Upper Galilee, the Head of the Council, Assaf Langelban, is demanding that the IDF sweep open areas for unexploded ordnance and learn lessons from the event. A 14-year-old boy was killed and 24 others were injured, likely by a cluster munition shell fired by Hezbollah that remained in the area, during a trip in the Ramim Ridge.

Paramedics pronounced the teenager dead after extensive resuscitation efforts. The injured, including two 14-year-olds in serious condition with shrapnel wounds, ten in moderate condition (eight teenagers and two adults in their 50s), and twelve with light injuries, were evacuated to Rambam, Ziv, and the Galilee Medical Center in Nahariya.

Langelban stated that despite the tragedy, tourism and hiking in the Upper Galilee, described as one of Israel's most beautiful regions, will continue. He emphasized the importance of educating children through outdoor activities and love for the land, noting that this is what has been done since the return to the North. He expressed hope that the IDF will learn from this incident and prevent future occurrences.

The council head clarified that the incident occurred in an area open to the public, not a closed military zone, and is located on a scenic route. He stressed that many people hike in these areas. Langelban made a firm demand to the IDF to conduct thorough sweeps of the terrain to prevent hikers from encountering unexploded ordnance, stating that while hiker behavior is important, the primary responsibility is to prevent such encounters. He vowed to do everything possible to ensure this is the last such incident.