Full Breakdown
Hasidic Group’s Uncoordinated Visit to Kifl Haris Sparks Stone-Throwing Clash
7/14/2026, 11:29:55 AM
Incident Overview
Overnight on Monday, followers of convicted Israeli rabbi Eliezer Berland entered the West Bank village of Kifl Haris to visit the tombs traditionally associated with Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh. The group entered without coordination with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Palestinians in the village responded by throwing stones, injuring two members of the group. The injured were taken to Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem and a Terem urgent-care clinic. Police and IDF forces arrived after the participants had left; they found damaged Palestinian vehicles and scattered stones. Five participants, identified as Jerusalem residents aged 16-20, were later arrested near the Hizma checkpoint and detained for questioning at the Binyamin police station.
Background: Tensions Over Sacred Sites
Kifl Haris lies in Area B of the West Bank, where Israel retains security control but the Palestinian Authority administers civil affairs. The village’s tombs are revered by some Jewish groups, leading to periodic confrontations. Earlier in March, dozens of Breslov Hasidim entered Joseph’s Tomb in Nablus (Area A) without IDF coordination, barricading themselves inside, underscoring a pattern of unsanctioned visits to contested holy sites.
Official Responses
The Israel Police opened an investigation, identified the participants, and announced the arrests. The IDF’s Judea and Samaria Division, together with Border Police units, dispatched forces to the scene after the report was received. Police statements emphasized that the suspects had caused damage to the site and that the investigation would determine further liability.
Opposition and Criticism
Critics note that the group’s actions violated established security protocols and heightened local tensions. The followers’ claim that “there is no reason the army should not allow us free access” contrasts with the authorities’ insistence on coordinated visits to prevent violence. Observers also highlight that many participants are alleged draft evaders, which may explain their reluctance to seek medical aid promptly.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is Area B. There is no reason the army should not allow us free access there,” — follower, unnamed
- “Every time, Arabs throw stones there and cause trouble,” — follower, unnamed
- “We will continue going there with full force, and the army will not stop us.” — follower, unnamed
- “ Another follower said many of those who entered the village were military draft evaders and therefore hesitated to call police or emergency medical services after the confrontation began.” — follower, unnamed
