IDF Halts Pilot Program for Organized Israeli Visits to Solomon Pools in West Bank

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) abruptly canceled a pilot program intended to allow organized and secure visits by Israelis to the historic Solomon Pools site in the Gush Etzion area of the West Bank. The pilot, planned for Wednesday, was to be the first step in establishing a regular, coordinated entry system for Israeli groups, with full security cooperation. However, the IDF did not provide a clear explanation for the last-minute cancellation, stating only that all entries will be evaluated based on operational considerations.

The Solomon Pools, located just minutes from Route 60 and about 100 meters from the Efrat settlement fence, are an ancient water system dating back to the Second Temple period, significant for Jerusalem’s historical water supply. In recent years, the Efrat Council has actively promoted public and governmental attention to the site, coordinating weekly tours with the military. The Israeli government recently approved a 10 million shekel emergency budget for restoration and accessibility improvements, with the Tourism Ministry joining the effort.

The pilot was designed to allow private tourism operators to bring organized groups on pre-approved dates, creating a controlled framework for visits. The cancellation disappointed tour guides and agents who have long advocated for legal, coordinated access. Shaul Ariel, a guide coordinator, expressed frustration that those who follow the rules face repeated last-minute restrictions, undermining public trust in the coordination system.

The decision comes amid ongoing political and public debates about the site's future, including concerns over Palestinian initiatives to develop the area. While the IDF insists that all visits will be subject to security assessments, stakeholders hope the pilot will be rescheduled soon, potentially opening a permanent, secure route for Israeli visitors to this sensitive heritage site.