Gush Etzion Council Head Urges Continued Tourism After Fatal Attack Near Tal Village

Yaron Rosenthal, head of the Gush Etzion Regional Council, responded to the recent murder near the village of Tal by condemning criticism of hikers and calling for continued exploration and presence in the area. Rosenthal, who has dedicated his life to promoting tourism in Judea and Samaria and formerly led the Field School in Kfar Etzion, expressed deep shock over the attack and sadness over some hikers' reactions. He personally knew the victims, David and Ahikam, and highlighted that the hiking group was experienced, aimed to learn about the land, and deliberately avoided more dangerous routes to prevent conflict with local Arabs.

Rosenthal emphasized that the attack occurred in Area B, which is under Israeli security control despite Palestinian civil authority, and about 300 meters from a main road connecting settlements. He noted that the Oslo Accords prohibit Israelis from entering Area A, but the incident site was not within those zones. While he could not confirm if the hike was coordinated with the Israeli military, Rosenthal stressed the importance of such coordination and urged the military to facilitate civilian hiking to foster connection with the land.

Reflecting on changes over the past 24 years since he began managing the Kfar Etzion Field School, Rosenthal noted that Jewish hiking in Judea and Samaria has grown significantly, with many trails opened and thousands visiting annually. He called for continuing this tradition, inspired by the Palmach generation's desire to know every path and corner of the land. Rosenthal concluded that the spirit of a people returning to their land and seeking to connect with its stories through hiking cannot be stopped.