200 Sites Searched and 2,000 Residents Moved in Hebron Following Fatal Ambush

Israeli forces demolished illegally constructed buildings and infrastructure near the northern entrance to Hebron on Saturday. The action marked the second day of a large-scale military operation launched after a deadly shooting attack at Yehuda Junction on Friday.

The initial attack on Friday resulted in the deaths of two soldiers, St.-Sgt. Ron Yonatan Roytman and Sgt. Yuval Shai Svilem. The military stated that the demolitions, conducted close to the scene of the shooting, aimed to enforce law and order and remove potential security threats posed by the structures.

The Judea Brigade commands the ongoing counterterrorism campaign. Personnel from the Duvdevan and Maglan units, the Paratroopers Brigade, Givati reconnaissance reservists, and Border Police participate in the effort. The Shin Bet security agency provides intelligence guidance.

During the operation, soldiers searched approximately 200 locations. Officials reported that troops cleared these sites of weapons and terrorist activity and arrested 10 suspects.

IDF assessments indicate that about 2,000 residents in the affected area belong to the Ja'aba clan. This group is affiliated with Hamas. Military officials identified the attackers as Hamouda and Firas al-Ja'aba, both of whom are Hamas-affiliated. The soldiers said the gunmen came directly from the Ein Dir-Baha neighborhood.

Evacuations of the al-Jalda and Ein Dir-Baha neighborhoods began on Friday evening. These densely populated districts in western Hebron lie within the city's Palestinian urban area. Civilians who requested to leave exited through checkpoints operated by the Shin Bet and the IDF. Officials said removing residents allows security personnel to search family homes and surrounding areas for weapons caches and explosives laboratories without endangering civilians.

A situational assessment is scheduled for Saturday to determine if the operation will expand. Meanwhile, Brig.-Gen. Kobi Heller, commander of the IDF's West Bank Division, has broadened searches and arrests in Nablus, Jenin, Tulkarm, and other locations in Samaria.