Hikers Near Gilead Farm Describe Attack and Military Hesitation to Fire

On Friday morning near Gilead Farm, a group of about 60 hikers traveling from Har Bracha was attacked in two separate incidents by Palestinians. The first attack occurred around 7:05 AM near a spring by the Sela Ridge, where local Palestinians threw stones and struck with clubs, injuring one hiker in the face. The group then retreated toward Gilead Farm.

About an hour later, around 8:05 AM, a larger assault took place as dozens of Palestinians from the village of Tal surrounded the hikers from three directions. Armed civilians accompanying the group fired in self-defense, but according to eyewitnesses, the first IDF soldier on the scene refused to shoot. Additional soldiers who arrived also reportedly declined to open fire despite the escalating violence.

Civilian security personnel from Gilead Farm attempted to repel the attackers by firing warning shots, while other civilians helped defend the group. During the confrontation, one attacker, described as a sheikh from the village, seized a weapon from a civilian security guard and opened fire. Only after this did the soldiers return fire.

The attack resulted in the death of Benyahu Malt, a civilian security guard, and injuries to others. Participants in the hike criticized the military's conduct, highlighting the refusal to engage despite the clear threat and the attackers encircling them. The incident has raised serious concerns about the military response during the assault.