The IDF maintains a search operation in the Mukhmas village area of Binyamin after two of the nine Israeli occupants of a vehicle found empty and damaged in the village were located in Jerusalem. The two refused to disclose who else was with them, prolonging the search, though the IDF spokesperson later briefed that no other Israelis are believed to be in the village. Helicopters remain airborne, according to Channel 14 reporter Eliya Aviv.
As of 07:37 Jerusalem, the IDF continues its search in the Mukhmas village area of Binyamin after two of the nine Israeli occupants of a vehicle found empty and damaged in the village were located in Jerusalem but refuse to cooperate with authorities, preventing confirmation of the remaining seven's safety. Helicopters remain airborne, according to Channel 14 reporter Eliya Aviv.
Over the course of a few minutes at 07:30 Jerusalem, the IDF activated a chief-of-staff-level kidnapping protocol after a vehicle carrying approximately nine Breslov Hasidic worshippers entered Nablus without authorization, fled a police pursuit, and was found empty and damaged in Mukhmas. Soon after, at 07:30, the IDF reported it had made contact with several Israelis who had left the village, and they reported that everyone else had safely exited. The IDF then confirmed that all had exited the village. However, at 07:30, the IDF downgraded the protocol after two occupants were located in Jerusalem via phone tracking, but the driver and another passenger refused to disclose who else had been in the vehicle, extending the search.
The IDF spokesperson later briefed that no other Israelis are believed to be in the village. The incident underscores the challenges of civilian behavior in sensitive areas and the security establishment's response to potential hostage scenarios.
The location and safety of the remaining seven occupants remain unverified, and search efforts continue as a precaution.
9 developments
- StrongPolice detain several Israeli suspects after vehicle evades pursuit near Sha'ar Binyamin
- DevelopingSecurity forces arrest Palestinians disguised as Jews at Maccabim Crossing
- DevelopingPolice detain Haredi man, then release him as crowd gathers
- StrongPolice shoot Palestinian suspect who rammed officers with stolen car at Hashmonaim checkpoint
Source and signal
- Internal intake