IDF Cancels Mount Dov Pilgrimage Due to Heightened Combat Readiness
Translated & summarized from Vesty by baba
The IDF has canceled the traditional annual pilgrimage to Mount Dov, citing heightened combat readiness ahead of elections. The decision, made on October 20, follows a security assessment by the Northern Command. Hundreds of residents and soldiers were expected to attend the prayer ceremony. An IDF source stated that the need to ensure election security prevents allocating forces to protect the pilgrimage, with soldiers' leaves of absence also restricted.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- The IDF canceled the traditional pilgrimage to Mount Dov on October 20 due to heightened combat readiness.
- The cancellation is linked to preparations for the upcoming election period and security assessments.
- Hundreds of residents and soldiers were expected to participate in the annual prayer ceremony.
- Soldiers' leaves of absence will be restricted starting October 22.
- The IDF stated that election security prevents allocating forces to protect the pilgrimage.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have canceled the traditional pilgrimage to Mount Dov, a site known as "Brit Bein HaBetarim" (Covenant Between the Parts). The decision, made on October 20, follows a security assessment by the Northern Command. The pilgrimage, scheduled for Friday, October 23, coincides with the weekly Torah portion "Lech-Lecha." Hundreds of residents from Kiryat Shmona and the Golan Heights, along with soldiers from the Hermon Brigade and students from the Kiryat Shmona Hesder Yeshiva, were expected to participate in the annual prayer ceremony, which has a centuries-old tradition.
Last year, the IDF permitted the resumption of the tradition, allowing around 200 participants. However, this year, organizers were informed of the cancellation on Tuesday evening. Elazar Plai, director of the Keshet Yonatan field school, expressed trust in the military's decision but lamented the disappointment of hundreds who wished to pray for rain and tour the area. He emphasized the importance of free movement in the region, stating it should be a natural occurrence, not requiring special permission.
Despite the cancellation, the IDF had recently allowed civilian access to the "Security Strip" observation point on Mount Dov during the intermediate days of Sukkot, after it had been closed due to anti-tank missile threats from Lebanon. The IDF claimed these threats were neutralized after the destruction of underground terrorist infrastructure. Over a thousand tourists visited the site then, indicating the area is still not fully open for regular civilian access.
According to an IDF source, the cancellation is linked to the implementation of maximum combat readiness in preparation for the upcoming election period. This decision was made after a meeting assessing the situation on multiple fronts, led by Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. Restrictions on soldiers' leaves of absence will be in effect from Thursday, October 22, and senior officers will be present in operational headquarters. The army stated that the heightened readiness and the need to ensure the elections proceed without disruption make it impossible to allocate the necessary forces to protect the pilgrimage participants.
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