IDF Prepares Major Operation in Nablus After Violent Attack Near Gilead Farm

This morning, an uncoordinated hike by dozens of Israelis entered the Palestinian village of Tal near the Gilead farm, located in Area A and B territories. There, dozens of Palestinians attacked the hikers near the southern mosque of the village. Security forces from Gilead farm and the IDF were quickly dispatched to the scene. The confrontation escalated into violent clashes involving gunfire. During the incident, a militant seized a weapon from an IDF standby soldier, Benyahu Malt, but was shot and killed by a deputy commander from the 411th Artillery Battalion who was securing the area.

The IDF stated that the rapid arrival of reinforcements, including military police and Border Police, prevented a more severe outcome. The event was described as spontaneous, triggered by the unauthorized hike, with no involvement from the local Palestinian village security committee. The clash resulted in the deaths of four to five Palestinians and injuries to five others who were evacuated to Nablus. The IDF continues to investigate the incident and currently maintains control over the village of Tal, which, along with Beit Furik, has been placed under a security cordon.

In response to the attack, the IDF has mobilized two battalions and plans targeted operations in Nablus, including arrests, in coordination with the Shin Bet and Border Police. Troop deployments have increased across Judea and Samaria to prevent further clashes and nationalist violence from both sides. Weapons seized during the incident are now in IDF custody. The funeral for Benyahu Malt will be held this afternoon at Gilead farm, with heightened military and police presence to secure the area and prevent retaliatory violence.

The incident follows a week of escalating tensions in the region, including a large fire at Gilead farm last Saturday caused by a discarded cigarette, and a stabbing attack yesterday near Beit Furik and Elon Moreh, where two militants were killed and Israeli Itamar Cohen was stabbed multiple times. The IDF has been operating under a heightened alert due to increased terror activity in Judea and Samaria, linked to Iranian and Turkish-backed terror cells. Over the past two years, more than 80 outposts and 126 agricultural farms have been established in the West Bank, intensifying friction between Israelis and Palestinians almost daily.

The IDF has reinforced its presence with the Paratroopers Brigade and plans to deploy 24 battalions in the coming weeks to address the security challenges in the area.