IDF Knew About West Bank Hike Before Deadly Attack but Did Not Approve It

On the night before the deadly attack in the Samaria region on Friday, in which Binyahu Malt and Lt. Col. Yuval Ezra were killed, IDF communications reveal that military officials were aware of a planned hike near the Gilad Farm area. Although the hike was never officially approved through the required military channels, messages obtained by ynet show that residents of Gilad Farm, who were not involved in organizing or participating in the hike, contacted operational army personnel to inform them of the route and timing. Despite recognizing the need for armed escort for the hikers, no such security was arranged.

Starting Thursday evening, several WhatsApp exchanges took place between the Gilad Farm security officer and an IDF officer from the Samaria Brigade. At 8 p.m., the military officer inquired about a hike scheduled for the next day from 5 a.m. to 11 a.m., passing through locations including Burin and Jit to commemorate a fire at the farm. The security officer initially denied knowledge but later found the detailed itinerary and shared it with the military contacts. He expressed concern about potential security gaps and attempted to coordinate armed protection, but was unsuccessful in establishing direct contact with the hikers.

The hike was set to begin at 4:45 a.m. at Mitzpe Yishai, followed by a prayer at Har Bracha, then a 15-kilometer march through several West Bank sites. Near the village of Tal, the group encountered Palestinians, leading to a confrontation. Gilad Farm’s security team and a small IDF force were called to the scene. During the clash, a Palestinian assailant seized an M-16 rifle and opened fire, killing Lt. Col. Ezra and four Palestinians, including the attacker.

The IDF stated it mourns the fallen and will continue to support the bereaved families. It confirmed the hike was neither approved nor coordinated through the necessary military channels, and that information about it was received only hours before it began. The IDF is conducting a thorough investigation and will transparently share findings with the families involved.