IDF to Passover hikers: Beware mines in firing zones
Army warns that while some closed military areas will be open to the public, caution must be taken
The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit on Thursday issued guidelines for Israelis hiking in military firing zones during the Passover holiday.
The guidelines said that some firing zones in the north, center and south of Israel will be open over Passover, but the army stressed that hikers must first coordinate with the IDF before entering any such area, and receive written confirmation from the authorities.
The guidelines also urge hikers to remain “vigilant and aware” of their surroundings, so as not to accidentally enter closed firing zones.
Many firing zones contain fenced-off areas marked as mine fields with signs bearing red triangles. The guidelines warn hikers not to cross such fences for any reason, and to be on the look out for signs warning of the presence of mines.
Some of the most popular hiking destinations in Israel are situated in firing zones or in close proximity to mine fields, including in the Negev Desert in the south and in the Golan Heights in the north.
In February 2010, 10-year-old Daniel Yuval lost a leg after stepping on a mine in the Golan Heights during a hiking trip with his family, highlighting the importance of remaining vigilant while hiking in firing zones.