Mukhmas
Mukhmas is a Palestinian village in the Binyamin region of Judea and Samaria, located near Route 60 and the Sha'ar Binyamin industrial zone. It became the center of a major security incident in July 2026 involving a high-level kidnapping protocol and subsequent counter-terrorism arrests.
Mukhmas is a Palestinian village situated in the Binyamin region, approximately 8 kilometers northeast of Jerusalem. Its proximity to Route 60—a major north-south artery in Judea and Samaria—and the Sha'ar Binyamin industrial zone makes it a frequent point of friction and security interest. Historically, the village is identified with the biblical Michmash, known for the battle between King Saul's forces and the Philistines.
In July 2026, Mukhmas drew national attention following a complex security event. On Thursday, July 2, a vehicle carrying approximately ten Israeli civilians (later identified as Breslov Hasidic worshippers) entered the village while attempting to evade a police pursuit triggered by severe traffic violations. The vehicle overturned and was subsequently attacked by local residents. The incident led the IDF Chief of Staff to declare a formal kidnapping protocol ('Mivchan Emet') after the occupants went missing and their vehicle was found destroyed. A massive search operation involving the Duvdevan unit, special forces, and combat helicopters was launched to locate the civilians.
While the kidnapping concern was eventually ruled out after the Israelis were located outside the village, the event highlighted the volatility of unauthorized entry into Area B and A villages. Following the incident, the IDF and Shin Bet conducted a targeted operation in Mukhmas on Friday, July 3, arresting eight individuals suspected of chasing and attacking the Israeli civilians. The village remains a sensitive location due to its strategic position overlooking Israeli transit routes and its history of local unrest.