On Friday morning, activists from the Fighting for Every Dunam Forum gathered at Joshua's Altar on Mount Ebal, in Samaria, for morning prayers, discovering that Palestinian Authority Arabs had once more vandalized the site by damaging or removing multiple layers of stones from the ancient altar.
The altar is considered by many archeologists to be the very altar Joshua constucted upon the Israelites entry into Canaan as commanded in Deuteronomy Chapter 27.
The activists observed sheep droppings in the area, suggesting regular grazing activities that could implicate Arab shepherds in the destruction. According to their report, the altar suffered damage in two separate locations, with some of its ancient stones not just dislodged but also fractured.
This latest damage to the altar adds to a string of attacks and acts of terror perpetrated by local Arabs against the site and Jewish visitors. Just last month, authorities discovered a powerful explosive device concealed among the altar stones, intended for remote detonation. Additionally, incidents such as burning tires on the altar, graffiti vandalism, and other destructive acts have been reported.
Approximately two months ago, Knesset member Tzvi Succot announced plans for the IDF to install surveillance cameras to monitor the site regularly and prevent further damage to the altar. However, as observed on Friday morning, activists found the altar damaged once again.
"No matter how much we try to circumvent the issue, reality continues to confront us," stated the Forum in a Friday morning release. "For years, we've emphasized that only a permanent Jewish presence, such as a farm or settlement, can ensure Israeli control of the area and safeguard the site from harm. Unfortunately, the security establishment has yet to grasp this truth and, regrettably, is moving in the opposite direction by attempting to limit access with military zone orders and checkpoints."
* Arutz 7 contributed to this report