The Lead
The IDF has downgraded a high-level kidnapping protocol in the Binyamin region Thursday morning after two occupants of a damaged vehicle were located in Jerusalem. The incident, which triggered a military chief-of-staff-level response, began when a vehicle carrying approximately nine Breslov Hasidic worshippers entered Nablus without authorization and later fled a police chase into the village of Mukhmas.
The security incident began earlier Thursday when a vehicle carrying about nine Israeli civilians, identified as Breslov Hasidic worshippers, entered the city of Nablus (Shechem) without the required military authorization. After leaving the city, the vehicle was involved in a severe traffic violation on Route 60 near the community of Ofra, which prompted a pursuit by the Israel Police.
During the chase, the vehicle fled into the Palestinian village of Mukhmas. One of the passengers contacted emergency services to report they were being attacked inside the village. When security forces reached the reported location, they discovered the vehicle empty, smashed, and severely damaged. Due to the loss of contact with the occupants, the OC Central Command declared a high-level kidnapping protocol, mobilizing significant IDF resources including attack helicopters.
Search and Localization
Following approximately 90 minutes of intensive searching, the individual who made the initial emergency call was located in Jerusalem through cellular tracking, accompanied by one other passenger. According to reports reviewed by The Zioneer Intelligence Desk, the driver and his companion initially refused to disclose the location of the other passengers, complicating the military's efforts to account for all individuals involved.
As of 07:30 Jerusalem time, the IDF Spokesperson briefed that security forces have established contact with several other individuals who exited the village independently. These individuals reported that everyone who had been with them in the vehicle also managed to leave the area safely. Based on this information, the military now assesses that no additional Israelis remain in Mukhmas.
Current Status
While the kidnapping protocol has been scaled back, the IDF continues localized scans to ensure the area is clear and to verify the safety of all parties. Helicopters remained airborne as of the latest update to provide aerial surveillance. The incident highlights the severe security risks and operational strain caused by unauthorized entry into Palestinian-controlled areas and the subsequent evasion of law enforcement.
11 developments
- The Zioneer Intelligence Desk