The IDF opened up several camping sites in Israel for families to come and see its weaponry. One such site is in the Samaria Brigade Headquarters.
Brigade Commander Col. Nimrod Aloni told Arutz Sheva: "We decided to celebrate Independence Day inside the brigade, along with all of the residents. There are many soldiers here and thousands of civilians."
Aloni said he hopes the event turns into a tradition. "This is the second straight year in which we hold this event, and we hope it is the beginning of a friendship," he said.
The brigade's sophisticated tanks and armored personnel carriers are on display, Aloni said. "We have jeeps, military positions, Home Front Command stations, lookouts, a paintball area for children, petting corners and games. Everything the army has to offer is here – except for Navy ships and IAF jets."
"There is a very large number of people here but mainly, there are very many little children running around in the site and it is a very happy scene," he said. "There is a good atmosphere here and great weather, barbecue smoke in every direction… a real Israeli experience."
"I wish the residents of Samaria that the quiet they are experiencing will continue, and we place a lot of effort in that. To the People of Israel, I wish many signs of unity, and the security will be alright afterward."