Hebron troops search 200 sites after killing of two soldiers

Israeli military forces and Civil Administration staff demolished illegally built structures near the northern entrance to Hebron on Saturday. The action occurred as part of a major operation launched after a shooting incident the previous day. Troops carried out the demolitions close to the location where the attack took place. The military stated the goal was to restore order and remove potential security risks posed by the buildings.

The operation targets the aftermath of a Friday ambush at Yehuda Junction. The attack resulted in the deaths of St.-Sgt. Ron Yonatan Roytman and Sgt. Yuval Shai Svilem. The Judea Brigade leads the counterterrorism effort. It includes personnel from the Duvdevan and Maglan units, the Paratroopers Brigade, Givati reconnaissance reservists, and Border Police. The Shin Bet security agency provides intelligence support.

Soldiers searched approximately 200 locations during the sweep. They cleared these sites of weapons and terrorist activity. The operation resulted in the arrest of 10 suspects. Military assessments indicate that about 2,000 residents in the area belong to the Ja'aba clan. This group is affiliated with Hamas and is the origin of the gunmen involved in Friday's attack. Central Command officials identified the shooters as Hamouda and Firas al-Ja'aba. Both were from the Ein Dir-Baha neighborhood.

Evacuations began on Friday evening in the al-Jalda and Ein Dir-Baha neighborhoods. These are densely populated districts in western Hebron's Palestinian urban area. Civilians were allowed to leave through checkpoints run by the Shin Bet and the IDF. Officials explained that moving residents out allows security teams to search homes and surrounding areas. They are looking for weapons, ammunition, explosives laboratories, and caches. The area is a known hub for Hamas activity in Hebron.

A situational assessment is scheduled for Saturday to decide if the operation will expand. Brig.-Gen. Kobi Heller, the commander of the IDF's West Bank Division, has already widened arrest operations in Nablus, Jenin, and Tulkarm. Searches are also underway in other parts of Samaria. These expanded efforts come amid reports that Hamas leadership abroad is coordinating attacks before upcoming elections.