IDF Demolishes Structures in Hebron After Two Soldiers Killed
Troops cleared 200 sites and evacuated 2,000 residents as part of a counterterrorism operation in western Hebron.
By Lucas Murphy ·
Israeli forces demolished illegally built structures near the northern entrance to Hebron on Saturday.
The operation followed a deadly ambush the previous day. Two soldiers died in the attack at Yehuda Junction: St.-Sgt. Ron Yonatan Roytman and Sgt. Yuval Shai Svilem.
Military officials stated the demolitions were intended to enforce law and order. They said the structures posed potential security threats.
The Judea Brigade commands the counterterrorism campaign. Duvdevan and Maglan units, the Paratroopers Brigade, Givati reconnaissance reservists, and Border Police are involved. The Shin Bet security agency provides intelligence guidance.
Soldiers searched approximately 200 locations in the area. They ruled out the presence of weapons and terrorist activity in those sites. Authorities arrested 10 suspects during the sweep.
IDF assessments indicate that about 2,000 residents in the targeted area belong to the Ja'aba clan. This clan is affiliated with Hamas. Military officials in Central Command identified the attackers as Hamouda and Firas al-Ja'aba. Both men were affiliated with Hamas and came from the Ein Dir-Baha neighborhood.
The military began evacuating the al-Jalda and Ein Dir-Baha neighborhoods on Friday evening. These are densely populated districts in western Hebron within the city's Palestinian urban area. Civilians who requested to leave were allowed to exit through checkpoints run by the Shin Bet and the IDF.
Officials explained that evacuating residents allows troops and Shin Bet personnel to search structures, homes, and immediate surroundings. They are looking for terrorist infrastructure, weapons, ammunition, explosives laboratories, and weapons caches. Officials noted the area is a known center of Hamas activity in Hebron.
A situational assessment will be held on Saturday to determine if the operation expands. Brig.-Gen. Kobi Heller, commander of the IDF's West Bank Division, has already broadened arrest operations and searches in Nablus, Jenin, Tulkarm, and other locations in Samaria.
The expanded operations occur amid concerns that Hamas leadership abroad is trying to orchestrate attacks ahead of upcoming elections.
Source: The Jerusalem Post
