Hundreds Expected to Hike Near West Bank Terror Attack Site Despite Lack of IDF Coordination

On Friday morning, the hiking group "David and Ahikam" planned to conclude their trip in the Mitzpe Yishai neighborhood of the settlement Kedumim. The hike was not officially coordinated through the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), although the army was indirectly aware of it via the Givat Gilad area. Near the village of Tal, Palestinians began throwing stones at the hikers, culminating in a terror attack that killed Benyahu Malt and wounded Lieutenant Colonel Yuval Ezra, who later died.

Following the attack, several hikes are scheduled for Friday morning in the area, with organizers expecting hundreds of participants. This time, the organizers intend to request IDF approval for security, but as of now, the hikes remain uncoordinated and unauthorized. The IDF is preparing for the hikes to proceed in the Givat Gilad and Tal village areas, aiming to prevent further incidents. Organizers emphasize that no terror event will stop their hiking activities.

A military source confirmed the hike was not approved through standard channels but said the IDF contacted the organizers to prepare for the event and is deploying broad security measures. The hikes traverse Areas A and B of the West Bank, with entry into Area A being dangerous and illegal under Israeli law.

Hiking groups in Judea and Samaria have grown in recent years. The "David and Ahikam" group was founded after a 2008 terror attack in Nahal Telem, where two hikers were killed. These groups typically hike on Fridays with the motto, "Wherever the Jewish hiker passes, the Jewish border passes." Other groups, including field schools, also conduct hikes in the region. Dr. Nadav Frenkel of the Kfar Etzion Field School has led hikes in Judea and Samaria for 17 years, noting a shift since the Second Intifada, with more people hiking throughout the country.

Before the recent conflict, the IDF allowed limited access to Area A sites such as the Church of the Nativity and parts of Jericho, but since the outbreak of hostilities, it has ceased granting permits for Area A, while still allowing some hikes in Area B. Although hiking in Area B is not a criminal offense, responsibility lies with the hikers themselves.