Israeli security forces launched extensive searches near the village of Mukhmas in the Binyamin region early Thursday after a vehicle carrying about nine Israeli civilians lost contact. The IDF says troops are scanning the area, assisted by an Apache attack helicopter, to rule out a security incident. An unverified report indicates the vehicle entered the village during a police chase and was later found smashed without its occupants.
The IDF confirmed early Thursday morning that security forces were dispatched to the area of the Palestinian village of Mukhmas in the Binyamin Brigade sector after receiving a report that several Israeli civilians had lost contact while in the village. An Apache attack helicopter is assisting in the search from the air.
Unverified initial reports, cited by multiple channels, indicate that a vehicle carrying approximately nine Israeli Jews entered Mukhmas around 4:00 AM during a police chase after a traffic violation. According to those reports, the vehicle was attacked by what were described as many assailants in the village. When troops arrived, the vehicle was found smashed, with only some of the occupants' belongings. At 06:19, the IDF Chief of Staff reportedly declared "Mivchan Emet" (a kidnapping event protocol). The IDF has not confirmed the kidnapping protocol declaration or details of an assault, and is still working to locate the missing individuals and clarify the nature of the incident.
As The Zioneer reported earlier, the Chief of Staff activated the kidnapping protocol after the vehicle was found destroyed. This remains a developing event with many details unconfirmed by official sources.
10 developments
- StrongIDF confirms suspicious aerial target in northern Israel, incident ended without casualties
- ConfirmedIDF clears Ramim ridge, residents allowed to leave homes
- StrongIDF detains suspect near Kerem Shalom crossing after alert, no infiltration into Israel
- DevelopingIDF clarifies: No security incident underway
Source and signal
- Internal intake