A routine hiking trip turned distressing after three teenagers discovered a body at the Nahal Amud Nature Reserve on Friday, prompting a rescue operation that has since sparked criticism from a parent.
According to local reports, emergency services were alerted after the teenagers encountered the body along a hiking trail in the rugged reserve. An IDF helicopter from Unit 669 was dispatched to assist in the retrieval.
Mother questions rescue handling
In a Facebook post, Inbal Shoham, mother of one of the teens, expressed disappointment over what she described as the conduct of authorities. She claimed rescue personnel did not initially descend the trail and instead directed the teenagers remotely until aerial assistance arrived.
Shoham stated that her son and his friends were instructed by police to document the scene and even guide the helicopter to the location. At one point, she wrote, her son was asked to check the body’s pulse, only to later be told not to touch it to avoid disturbing potential forensic evidence.
She further alleged that despite references to forensic procedures, no forensics team ultimately reached the site before the body was retrieved.
Rescue unit cites complex terrain
Rescue officials described the mission as a complex operation involving rope systems in challenging terrain. In a statement, the unit noted that this was the fifth rescue in less than a week, with two incidents involving individuals found deceased.
Reports indicated that the body had been at the location for approximately 12 hours before being discovered. A vehicle believed to belong to the deceased was found in a nearby parking area.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased. The incident has raised broader questions about field coordination during emergencies in remote and difficult environments.