Ramim Ridge Ordnance Blast: Ministry Approved Hike Despite Closure Warnings
An unexploded ordnance explosion on the Ramim Ridge killed Elazar Yair Vilensky and injured 24. Investigations reveal the Ministry of Education approved a hike despite KKL-JNF closure warnings.
An unexploded ordnance explosion during a hike in the Ramim Ridge led to the death of Elazar Yair Vilensky and injured 24 others roughly a week ago. Yesterday, new details emerged regarding the approved route and KKL-JNF instructions that prohibited walking in various segments.
Discrepancies in Trail Approval
According to a security source, maps reveal the discrepancies between the closed military and KKL-JNF zones and the route ultimately approved by the Ministry of Education for students and teachers from the Ma'alot Yeshiva. KKL-JNF had officially banned entry to the red zone, which encompassed the yellow route walked by the students, issuing closure notices to the ministry two months prior to the disaster.
Despite these warnings, the Ministry of Education's operations room and hiking desk authorized the hike through the restricted area. While the ministry claimed that restrictions did not apply to the Israel National Trail, questions remain regarding how the group traversed forbidden sections to reach their transport.
"We must emphasize the danger of unexploded ordnance in these areas and warn our children to prevent another tragedy," security officials stated.
