IDF razes Hebron structures near ambush site where two soldiers were killed
Troops searched 200 sites and evacuated two neighborhoods in western Hebron as part of a counterterrorism sweep following Friday's fatal attack at Yehuda Junction.
By Naomi Whitaker ·
Israeli forces demolished illegally built structures near the northern entrance to Hebron on Saturday, continuing a military operation that began after two soldiers were killed in an ambush at Yehuda Junction on Friday. The attack claimed the lives of St.-Sgt. Ron Yonatan Roytman and Sgt. Yuval Shai Svilem.
The military stated that the demolitions were conducted close to the shooting scene to enforce law and order and remove potential security threats. The operation is led by the Judea Brigade and includes personnel from the Duvdevan and Maglan units, the Paratroopers Brigade, Givati reconnaissance reservists, Border Police, and the Shin Bet.
Soldiers searched approximately 200 locations during the sweep. They reported ruling out the presence of weapons and terrorist activity in those areas and arrested 10 suspects.
IDF assessments indicate that about 2,000 residents in the affected area belong to the Ja'aba clan. Military officials in Central Command identified the gunmen as Hamouda and Firas al-Ja'aba, both Hamas affiliates from the Ein Dir-Baha neighborhood. The Ja'aba clan is described as affiliated with Hamas.
Evacuations began Friday evening in the al-Jalda and Ein Dir-Baha neighborhoods. These densely populated districts in western Hebron are located within the Palestinian urban area. Civilians who requested to leave were allowed to exit temporarily through checkpoints run by the Shin Bet and the IDF.
Officials explained that moving residents out allows troops to search homes and surrounding areas for terrorist infrastructure, weapons, and explosives laboratories without risking civilian safety. The area is considered a known center for Hamas activity in Hebron.
A situational assessment is scheduled for Saturday to determine if the operation will expand. Brig.-Gen. Kobi Heller, commander of the IDF's West Bank Division, has already widened arrest operations in Nablus, Jenin, and Tulkarm, as well as other parts of Samaria. Security officials noted that the expanded operations occur amid concerns that Hamas leadership is orchestrating attacks ahead of upcoming elections.
Source: The Jerusalem Post
