Two deaths trigger 200-site sweep in Hebron

Israeli forces demolished illegally built structures near the northern entrance to Hebron on Saturday. The action followed a deadly ambush the previous day that killed two soldiers. The military stated the demolitions aimed to restore order and remove security threats posed by the buildings.

The attack occurred at Yehuda Junction on Friday. St.-Sgt. Ron Yonatan Roytman and Sgt. Yuval Shai Svilem were killed in the shooting. Military officials identified the gunmen as Hamouda and Firas al-Ja'aba, both linked to Hamas. They stated the attackers originated from the Ein Dir-Baha neighborhood.

The operation is led by the Judea Brigade and involves troops from the Duvdevan and Maglan units, the Paratroopers Brigade, Givati reconnaissance reservists, and the Border Police. The Shin Bet security agency provides intelligence support. Soldiers searched approximately 200 locations to rule out weapons and terrorist activity. During the sweep, forces arrested 10 suspects.

IDF assessments indicate that about 2,000 residents in the area belong to the Ja'aba clan. This clan is affiliated with Hamas and is the origin of Friday's gunmen. Officials noted that the district serves as a known center for Hamas operatives in Hebron. The military began evacuating the al-Jalda and Ein Dir-Baha neighborhoods on Friday evening.

Civilians in these densely populated western Hebron districts were allowed to leave through checkpoints run by the Shin Bet and the IDF. Officials explained that emptying buildings allows personnel to search homes and surroundings for weapons, ammunition, explosives labs, and caches without putting civilians at risk.

A situational assessment was scheduled for Saturday to determine if the operation would expand. In the meantime, Brig.-Gen. Kobi Heller, commander of the IDF's West Bank Division, broadened arrest operations and searches in Nablus, Jenin, and Tulkarm. Additional locations in Samaria are also under scrutiny.

The expanded military activity comes amid concerns that Hamas leadership abroad is attempting to orchestrate attacks before upcoming elections.