Five arrested after 100 Hasidim enter Palestinian village of Kifl Haris to visit graves

A group of around 100 Breslov Hasidim entered the Palestinian village of Kifl Haris on Monday night to visit the graves of Yehoshua Ben Nun and Caleb Ben Yefuna. The group stated they were protesting a lack of access to the holy sites.

According to reports, Palestinian residents threw stones at the Hasidim, injuring two individuals. These individuals reportedly declined medical transport to a hospital, fearing potential arrest for draft evasion. Police and IDF forces arrived at the scene after the involved parties had already departed, but found evidence of damaged Palestinian vehicles and scattered stones.

An investigation into the incident led to the arrest of five suspects, all Jerusalem residents between the ages of 16 and 20, near the Hizma crossing. This event follows a similar incident in March where dozens of Breslov Hasidim entered Joseph's Tomb in Nablus without authorization, barricading themselves inside the site located in Palestinian-controlled Area A.

The incident highlights ongoing tensions and access issues related to religious sites in the West Bank, with unauthorized entries and subsequent clashes being reported. The police investigation aims to identify all individuals involved in the Kifl Haris event.