IDF Cancels Traditional Mount Dov Prayer Event Amid Security Concerns
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
The IDF has canceled the annual prayer event at the "Covenant Between the Parts" site on Mount Dov due to security concerns and preparations for upcoming elections. Hundreds of residents and students were expected to attend the traditional ceremony. Organizers expressed disappointment, emphasizing the need for routine access to the area. The cancellation comes despite a recent opening of a nearby observation point, indicating ongoing security restrictions in the region.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- IDF canceled the traditional prayer event at the "Covenant Between the Parts" site on Mount Dov.
- The cancellation is due to security assessments and preparations for upcoming elections.
- Hundreds of residents and students were expected to participate in the annual ceremony.
- Organizers expressed disappointment, calling for routine access to the Mount Dov area.
- The site is considered part of Israel and hosts a centuries-old prayer tradition.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has canceled the traditional pilgrimage to the "Covenant Between the Parts" site on Mount Dov, located in the Har Dov area, following a security assessment by the Northern Command. The event, scheduled for Friday, the eve of the Torah portion "Lech-Lecha," was expected to draw hundreds of residents from Kiryat Shmona and the Golan Heights, led by students from the Kiryat Shmona Hesder Yeshiva and forces from the Hermon Brigade. The site, where the biblical "Covenant Between the Parts" is traditionally said to have taken place, hosts an annual prayer ceremony with centuries-old traditions.
Last year, the IDF permitted the renewal of reading from the Torah at the holy site, allowing approximately 200 participants. However, this year, the Keshet Yehonatan Field School, which organizes the pilgrimage under the leadership of Yeruham Kantman, was informed of the cancellation. Elazar Palai, director of the field school, expressed his trust in the army's judgment but conveyed the disappointment of hundreds who wished to attend the prayer for rain at the start of winter and tour Mount Dov, which he considers part of Israel.
Palai emphasized that access to the area should be routine, stating, "This is what we fought for in the last three years, so we can travel freely in Israel." He contrasted this with the current situation, where even children from southern kibbutzim might not be able to travel freely, and organized groups require "very exceptional approval" to visit Mount Dov.
Despite the cancellation, the IDF had allowed civilians to visit the "Security Strip" observation point on Mount Dov a few weeks prior during Sukkot, after an alleged threat of anti-tank missile fire from Lebanon was deemed removed. Over a thousand visitors toured the observation point and heritage sites. However, the current cancellation highlights that the area is not yet fully open to civilians as it was before the IDF's withdrawal from Lebanon.
An IDF source stated that the decision to cancel the pilgrimage was made due to heightened alert status, preparations for the upcoming elections, and a multi-theater security assessment. The IDF is implementing a travel ban for soldiers starting Thursday and increasing senior commander presence in control rooms, explaining that the current high alert and efforts to ensure election integrity prevent the allocation of forces for securing the pilgrimage.
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