Judea Brigade Demolishes Hebron Structures After Two Soldiers Die
Troops searched 200 sites and evacuated 2,000 residents as part of a counterterrorism sweep following the Friday ambush at Yehuda Junction.
By Chioma Brooks ·
Israeli military and Civil Administration crews demolished illegally built structures near the northern entrance to Hebron on Saturday. This action marked the first day of a major security operation triggered by a shooting attack the previous day.
The Friday ambush at Yehuda Junction resulted in the deaths of two soldiers, St.-Sgt. Ron Yonatan Roytman and Sgt. Yuval Shai Svilem. The military stated that the demolitions, conducted near the shooting site, aimed to restore order and remove potential security hazards posed by the buildings.
The Judea Brigade commands the counterterrorism effort, supported by troops from the Duvdevan and Maglan units, the Paratroopers Brigade, Givati reconnaissance reservists, and Border Police. The Shin Bet security agency provides intelligence guidance for the operation.
Soldiers searched approximately 200 locations, clearing them of weapons and terrorist activity. During these searches, forces arrested 10 suspects. IDF assessments indicate that roughly 2,000 residents in the targeted area belong to the Ja'aba clan, a group affiliated with Hamas.
Central Command officials identified the gunmen as Hamouda and Firas al-Ja'aba, both linked to Hamas and hailing from the Ein Dir-Baha neighborhood. On Friday evening, the military began evacuating the al-Jalda and Ein Dir-Baha districts in western Hebron. Civilians who requested to leave could exit through checkpoints run by the Shin Bet and the IDF.
Authorities explained that removing residents allows personnel to search homes, structures, and surrounding areas for weapons, explosives, and caches without risking civilian safety. The security establishment recognizes this zone as a known hub for Hamas operatives in Hebron.
A situational assessment was scheduled for Saturday to determine if the operation should expand. In parallel, Brig.-Gen. Kobi Heller, commander of the IDF's West Bank Division, widened arrest and search efforts in Nablus, Jenin, Tulkarm, and other parts of Samaria. These expanded actions occur amid concerns that Hamas leadership abroad is planning attacks before the upcoming elections.
Source: The Jerusalem Post
