IDF Knew About West Bank Hike Before Deadly Attack but Did Not Approve It
IDF officials were aware of a planned hike in the West Bank before a deadly attack killed two Israelis, but the event was not officially approved or secured. Despite warnings and attempts to organize protection, no armed escort was provided. The attack occurred during the hike, resulting in the deaths of Lt. Col. Yuval Ezra, Binyahu Malt, and four Palestinians, including the attacker.
הידיעה ב-6 שורות · תקציר של baba
- IDF knew about the planned West Bank hike before the deadly attack but did not approve it.
- Gilad Farm security officers informed military personnel of the hike route and timing.
- Attempts to arrange armed escort for the hikers failed due to lack of direct contact.
- The hike began early Friday and ended in a deadly confrontation near the village of Tal.
- A Palestinian attacker seized an M-16 rifle and killed two Israelis and four Palestinians.
- The IDF is investigating the incident and will share findings with the victims' families.
On the night before the deadly attack in the Samaria region on Friday, in which Binyahu Malt and Lt. Col. Yuval Ezra were killed, IDF communications reveal that military officials were aware of a planned hike near the Gilad Farm area. Although the hike was never officially approved through the required military channels, messages obtained by ynet show that residents of Gilad Farm, who were not involved in organizing or participating in the hike, contacted operational army personnel to inform them of the route and timing. Despite recognizing the need for armed escort for the hikers, no such security was arranged.
Starting Thursday evening, several WhatsApp exchanges took place between the Gilad Farm security officer and an IDF officer from the Samaria Brigade. At 8 p.m., the military officer inquired about a hike scheduled for the next day from 5 a.m. to 11 a.m., passing through locations including Burin and Jit to commemorate a fire at the farm. The security officer initially denied knowledge but later found the detailed itinerary and shared it with the military contacts. He expressed concern about potential security gaps and attempted to coordinate armed protection, but was unsuccessful in establishing direct contact with the hikers.
The hike was set to begin at 4:45 a.m. at Mitzpe Yishai, followed by a prayer at Har Bracha, then a 15-kilometer march through several West Bank sites. Near the village of Tal, the group encountered Palestinians, leading to a confrontation. Gilad Farm’s security team and a small IDF force were called to the scene. During the clash, a Palestinian assailant seized an M-16 rifle and opened fire, killing Lt. Col. Ezra and four Palestinians, including the attacker.
The IDF stated it mourns the fallen and will continue to support the bereaved families. It confirmed the hike was neither approved nor coordinated through the necessary military channels, and that information about it was received only hours before it began. The IDF is conducting a thorough investigation and will transparently share findings with the families involved.
מוזכרים
אותו אירוע, כפי שכל מערכת דיווחה עליו בנפרד. פתחו כמה דיווחים כדי להשוות מה כל מערכת מדגישה, ומה היא משאירה בחוץ.
מרכז 1ימין 2
לא אותו אירוע: ידיעות אחרות שחולקות עם הידיעה הזו אנשים, מקומות או נושא. רקע, תגובות והמשכים.
