Shepherd Discovers Militant Firing Range in Ancient Hasmonean Fortress in West Bank

A shepherd from the newly established Givat Tadar settlement in the western Benjamin region discovered an ancient cave used as an improvised firing range by militants. The shepherd, Eitan Antman, was grazing his flock near the Artaba fortress, a historic Hasmonean site recently under full Arab control, when he noticed a concealed cave entrance. Upon inspection, he found Arabic graffiti, a makeshift target made from a panel piece, and numerous bullet holes and spent bullets, though no cartridge casings, indicating efforts to erase evidence.

Security officials later identified the ammunition as including expensive and lethal hollow-point bullets. Until about a month ago, Arabs freely roamed the area, but since the establishment of Givat Tadar, militants have ceased approaching. The discovery highlights the security vacuum in Wadi Zarqa, designated as Area B under the Oslo Accords, which had become a terror hub under full Arab control for the past 25 years.

The Givat Tadar community, settled in recent months at Wadi Zarqa's western edge, is actively working to restore Jewish presence and security in the area. The settlement's leadership expressed hope that the region, known for its scenic springs, will soon be safe again and that Jewish shepherds will replace militants on the hills.

This incident underscores the ongoing challenges in maintaining security and sovereignty in contested West Bank areas and the efforts by new settlements to change the status quo.