Judea Brigade Demolishes Structures and Arrests 10 in Hebron After Ambush
Troops searched 200 sites and moved 2,000 residents from two neighborhoods following the fatal shooting of two soldiers at Yehuda Junction.
By Leila Reynolds ·
Two thousand residents in western Hebron were moved from their homes on Saturday as Israeli forces executed a large-scale search and demolition campaign. The operation targets specific structures in the al-Jalda and Ein Dir-Baha neighborhoods, areas designated as part of the city's Palestinian urban zone.
The military action follows a shooting incident at Yehuda Junction on Friday that killed St.-Sgt. Ron Yonatan Roytman and Sgt. Yuval Shai Svilem. Central Command officials identified the gunmen as Hamouda and Firas al-Ja'aba, both Hamas affiliates who came from the Ein Dir-Baha neighborhood.
Judea Brigade commanders oversee the operation, which includes active participation from Duvdevan and Maglan units, the Paratroopers Brigade, Givati reconnaissance reservists, and Border Police. The Shin Bet security agency provides intelligence support for the tactical moves on the ground.
Soldiers inspected approximately 200 locations during the sweep. They searched for weapons, ammunition, explosives laboratories, and hidden terrorist infrastructure. Ten suspects were arrested during these searches.
Troops and Civil Administration personnel demolished illegally built structures near the northern entrance to Hebron. The military stated these actions aim to enforce law and order and remove security threats posed by the buildings close to the original shooting site.
Officials explained that evacuating civilians allows for thorough searches of family homes and immediate surroundings without risking civilian safety. The security establishment considers this area a known center for Hamas operative activity in Hebron.
Brig.-Gen. Kobi Heller, commander of the West Bank Division, expanded arrest operations and searches to Nablus, Jenin, and Tulkarm. A situational assessment held on Saturday will determine if the operation expands further, set against concerns about Hamas efforts to stage attacks before elections.
