IDF Reveals Uncoordinated Tours in West Bank Amid Rising Security Concerns
A senior IDF officer from the Central Command disclosed on Friday that while dozens of tours in the West Bank are officially approved weekly, many others occur without coordination or approval, sometimes only identified after the fact. This revelation comes amid heightened tensions and fears of escalating attacks in the region, where friction between Palestinian and Israeli populations is increasing.
The officer explained that the IDF currently permits tours anywhere under Israeli security and civilian control, but only through a formal coordination process with the regional brigade under the West Bank Division, following strict guidelines. Despite this, some groups bypass these procedures, complicating security efforts.
The comments followed the July 24 shooting attack near the Palestinian village of Tal in the Samaria region, which killed Lieutenant Colonel Yuval Ezra and reserve Captain Benyahu Malt, and injured others. The soldiers and local security personnel responded after tourists entered the Palestinian village area. The officer noted that although there was some vague knowledge of a planned tour in the area late at night, attempts to obtain detailed information from organizers failed due to a lack of cooperation, making it difficult for the IDF to anticipate the event.
On the same night, the IDF received information about another tour near the southern area of Itamar, which was coordinated after the army proactively contacted the organizers, clarified the route, and deployed security forces. The Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, confirmed that the Tal tour was neither coordinated nor approved by the IDF.
The officer emphasized that the IDF requires settlers and all visitors to the West Bank to follow a formal approval process with the regional brigades and division to ensure security. The army provides heavy protection for coordinated events, such as prayers at Joseph's Tomb in Nablus and other sensitive sites, with dozens of such secured tours monthly throughout the year. Following the Tal attack, the IDF launched arrests and transferred dozens of suspects to Shin Bet for investigation.
