Palestinian Attempt to Pave Road to Joshua's Altar Site Thwarted

Residents of the Giv'at Matzpe Yehoshua outpost near Mount Ebal reported on Thursday morning that they had identified engineering vehicles working to pave a road from Nablus towards the ancient Joshua's Altar site. Following a report to the IDF and the arrival of residents at the scene, the work was halted and one of the vehicles was confiscated.

According to the residents, several heavy engineering vehicles were engaged in paving a gravel road intended to connect Nablus with the altar area. Upon noticing the work, residents contacted security officials, reported to the IDF, and proceeded to the location. They stated that the operators stopped working and fled back towards Nablus, leaving one vehicle behind, which was then seized.

Residents claim this is not the first attempt to pave a road from Nablus to the site, attributing previous efforts to the Palestinian Authority. They stated that prior attempts were stopped due to the actions of local residents and IDF patrols.

The residents link these paving efforts to a broader Palestinian Authority initiative to take control of historical sites and water sources in the West Bank, citing other locations like Tel Aroma, the Hasmonean Palaces in Jericho, and springs in the Benjamin and western Samaria regions.

One resident commented, "We have recently been noticing unusual activity of heavy equipment in the area, and it appears the Palestinian Authority is trying to revive its plan to take over the Joshua's Altar site here on Mount Ebal." He added that Binyahu Meltz, who was killed in a terror attack near the Gilad Farm three months prior, had led the effort to stop this plan. Following Meltz's death, residents decided to establish the Matzpe Yehoshua settlement point near the altar to maintain a constant presence and prevent further road-paving attempts, which they believe has proven effective.