IDF Demolishes Illegal Structures After West Bank Attack

Following a deadly attack near the Yitzhar junction on Friday, Israeli security forces began operations to expose and demolish illegal structures at the scene. The demolition of illegal infrastructure is expected to commence shortly and continue through the afternoon, before the Sabbath.

Extensive counter-terrorism operations are underway in Hebron and surrounding villages, involving units from Duvdevan, the Paratroopers Brigade, the Search and Rescue Brigade, and the West Bank Border Police. The Maglan unit has been deployed to reinforce the Judea Brigade's counter-terrorism and defense missions. A full closure has been imposed on Hebron and Halhul, with dozens of roadblocks established in the area. The operation is being conducted under the command of the Judea Brigade commander, in cooperation with the Border Police, the Civil Administration, and the Judea and Samaria District Police.

Commander of the Central Command, Major General Avi Bluth, also ordered the mapping of the terrorists' homes for subsequent demolition. Israeli military intelligence estimates that the two terrorists departed from Hebron in a vehicle carrying a large quantity of ammunition, intending to carry out a large-scale attack against civilians in central Israel. They were armed with an M4 assault rifle and a pistol, and the vehicle also contained a box of additional ammunition.

On their way, the terrorists encountered a temporary roadblock manned by soldiers from the 'Ari' Battalion of the Search and Rescue Brigade. The soldiers were conducting traffic monitoring and vehicle inspections as part of a "dawn alert" initiative. The IDF estimates that the soldiers' presence prevented the terrorists from reaching their planned routes, forcing them to change their target and attack the roadblock instead. The terrorists exited their vehicle and opened fire on the soldiers at close range. The exchange of fire lasted over 20 minutes, during which additional forces were called to the scene until the two attackers were eliminated by the deputy commander of the 'Ari' Battalion and a company commander.

The 'Ari' Battalion recently began its first operational deployment after several months of establishment training. The battalion was formed last year in response to the lessons learned from the war and the need to expand combat forces in various sectors, while also providing additional available forces for home front missions. This is the fifth battalion in the Search and Rescue Brigade of the Home Front Command. Prior to this current deployment, the battalion was placed on alert for rescue operations during Operation "Roar of the Lion," providing support in the northern sector and assisting in the complex Haifa disaster site.

Battalion Commander, Lieutenant Colonel L., stated following the attack, "The battalion's fighters have already proven in their first operational deployment the importance of the mission and their operational readiness." He added that the soldiers "maintained high operational readiness and alertness, engaged the enemy, and acted with determination and speed to thwart the threat, while preventing harm to civilians."