IDF Clears Hebron Neighborhoods After Fatal Attack on Soldiers

Security forces moved quickly to reshape the landscape in western Hebron after a deadly ambush claimed two lives.

On Saturday, Israeli troops and Civil Administration staff demolished illegally built structures near the northern entrance to Hebron. This action was part of a larger military campaign that started the previous day after two soldiers were shot dead at Yehuda Junction. The victims were identified as St.-Sgt. Ron Yonatan Roytman and Sgt. Yuval Shai Svilem. Military officials stated that removing these buildings helps enforce law and order while eliminating potential threats to security.

The operation is being led by the Judea Brigade and involves a wide range of military units. Personnel from the Duvdevan and Maglan units, the Paratroopers Brigade, Givati reconnaissance reservists, and Border Police are all participating. The Shin Bet security agency provides intelligence guidance for the efforts. During the past day, soldiers searched approximately 200 locations to check for weapons and signs of terrorist activity. Authorities have arrested ten suspects so far.

IDF 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 responsible for Friday's attack. Military officials in Central Command identified the attackers as Hamouda and Firas al-Ja'aba. Both men are linked to Hamas and came directly from the Ein Dir-Baha neighborhood.

By Friday evening, the military had begun evacuating residents from the al-Jalda and Ein Dir-Baha neighborhoods. These are densely populated districts in western Hebron that fall within the city's Palestinian urban area. Civilians who wished to leave were allowed to exit temporarily through checkpoints operated by the Shin Bet and the IDF. This temporary move allows security personnel to search family homes, structures, and immediate surroundings for terrorist infrastructure, weapons, ammunition, and explosives labs without putting civilians at risk.

The security establishment has long recognized this area as a center of activity for Hamas operatives in Hebron. Officials explained that clearing residents from buildings enables a thorough search for hidden assets and caches. The evacuation process is designed to balance the need for a deep security sweep with the safety of the local population during the operation.

A situational assessment was scheduled for Saturday to determine if the operation should expand. In the meantime, Brig.-Gen. Kobi Heller, commander of the IDF's West Bank Division, has already broadened arrest operations and searches. These additional actions are taking place in the Nablus, Jenin, and Tulkarm areas, as well as other locations throughout Samaria.

These expanded efforts come amid concerns that Hamas leadership abroad is trying to orchestrate terrorist attacks ahead of upcoming elections. The military aims to disrupt these plans by maintaining a strong presence in key areas and continuing to investigate the recent shooting attack.