IDF Expands Hebron Sweep After Fatal Soldier Attack
Military forces demolished structures in Hebron and searched hundreds of sites following the killing of two troops, with commanders weighing further expansion of the campaign.
By Jason Kovalenko ·
The Israel Defense Forces and the Civil Administration executed a series of demolitions at the northern entrance to Hebron on Saturday. This action marked a key phase in a wide-ranging military effort that began following a lethal engagement the previous day. The targeted sites included illegally built infrastructure situated near the location of the recent gunfire.
The operational trigger was an assault at Yehuda Junction on Friday, which resulted in the deaths of Second Lieutenant Ron Yonatan Roytman and Sergeant Yuval Shai Svilem. Military leadership stated that the destruction of nearby structures was designed to restore order and remove potential security hazards. The broader counterterrorism initiative is directed by the Judea Brigade. It incorporates personnel from the Duvdevan and Maglan units, the Paratroopers Brigade, Givati reconnaissance reservists, and Border Police forces. The Shin Bet security agency provides intelligence support for these coordinated actions.
During the sweep, soldiers inspected approximately 200 specific locations. These checks aimed to clear areas of weapons and active terrorist presence, leading to the detention of ten suspects. Internal IDF evaluations indicate that roughly 2,000 local residents belong to the Ja'aba clan. This group has ties to Hamas and is the origin of the gunmen involved in Friday's incident. Central Command officials identified the shooters as Hamouda and Firas al-Ja'aba. Both men were noted as Hamas affiliates who traveled directly from the Ein Dir-Baha district.
Evening reports on Friday indicated that evacuation orders had been issued for the al-Jalda and Ein Dir-Baha neighborhoods. These densely populated areas are located in the western part of Hebron within the Palestinian urban zone. The military allowed civilians who wished to depart to exit temporarily via checkpoints managed by the Shin Bet and the IDF. Officials explained that clearing residents from buildings enables security forces to conduct detailed searches of homes and surroundings. This process targets terrorist infrastructure, weapons, ammunition, explosives labs, and caches without putting civilians at risk. The security establishment views this zone as a known hub for Hamas activity in the city.
A situational review is scheduled for Saturday to decide on the next steps. In parallel, Brigadier General Kobi Heller, who leads the West Bank Division, has widened arrest and search operations. These new efforts are taking place in the Nablus, Jenin, and Tulkarm regions, as well as other parts of Samaria. The intensification of these military activities occurs against a backdrop of apprehension regarding Hamas leadership abroad. Officials fear the group may be planning coordinated attacks in the lead-up to upcoming elections.
