IDF Seizes Donated Backhoe Used in Gaza Amid West Bank Clashes

The Honenu organization has demanded the return of a backhoe and tools allegedly confiscated by Border Police officers from a couple in the Gush Etzion settlement of Gefen Ami. According to Honenu, the backhoe had been loaned to the IDF twice during the war and used by forces in the Gaza Strip for months. The tools, including a disc saw, three drills, and a blower, are essential for Adi Kolani's work as a renovation contractor. The incident occurred Wednesday evening after residents from the nearby Palestinian village of Beit Ummar allegedly threw stones at the settlement's access road, leading to confrontations. Amid fears of a home invasion, Adi Kolani, a reservist who served over 800 days in the West Bank, Lebanon, and Gaza, was securing the settlement. Upon investigating a noise, the Kolanis found dozens of Border Police officers, with one already operating the backhoe and others loading their tools. They claim no warrant was presented, and were directed to the brigade commander, who reportedly stated the action was taken "because of what happened in the village." Honenu stated the backhoe was driven to a nearby base, despite the Kolanis' assertion that it was malfunctioning and the drive could cause further damage. The couple had planned to sell the backhoe the following morning. Honenu also reported that Mati Kolani was briefly detained after attempting to move a vehicle blocking the backhoe's path, and was later forced to walk home from a nearby junction. Later that night, an IDF engineering vehicle allegedly blocked the settlement's access road with stones, forcing residents to use routes near Beit Ummar. Attorney Azriel Pikar of Honenu's civil department formally requested the return of the backhoe and equipment, emphasizing their necessity for Adi Kolani's livelihood.