IDF Launches Major Operation in Hebron After Deadly Attack

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced Friday that it has launched a large-scale operation in the city of Hebron, following a deadly shooting attack that killed two soldiers. According to the army, the operation, expected to last several days, involves soldiers searching the city for individuals involved in terrorism and weapons. Residents will be permitted to enter and exit the operational area through three designated points, with authorization required.

The two attackers, who carried out the shooting, were killed earlier Friday after a pursuit. Following the incident, the IDF raided their homes and blocked all entrances and exits to Hebron, the largest city in the West Bank, as well as several surrounding villages.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated after the attack that a broad operation was anticipated. He warned that the IDF would search every house in the attackers' neighborhood and evacuate residents. "We will remove weapons from there, and all terror infrastructure will be dealt with and destroyed," Netanyahu declared at the scene. He also claimed that the IDF had prepared a plan for a wide-ranging operation in the West Bank, "as has not been done since the Six-Day War," adding that it was "on its way."

The Civil Administration had previously announced the demolition of dozens of structures near the Hebron shooting site. Local residents reported that three buildings, for which demolition orders were already issued before the attack, were destroyed. Business owners in the area petitioned the High Court of Justice (Bagatz), which issued an interim order to the army to freeze the demolition of businesses near the site.

During a situation assessment, Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir stated that a large quantity of ammunition was found in the attackers' vehicle, intended for a more extensive attack. "The swift action of the soldiers prevented an even more severe attack and further harm to civilians and security forces," Zamir said. Military assessments suggest the attackers planned to drive onto Route 35, connecting Hebron to central Israel, but were stopped at a temporary IDF checkpoint at the Yehuda junction.

The two soldiers killed were Sergeant Major Ron Yonatan Reitman, 23, from Ashkelon, and Staff Sergeant Yuval Shai Suilam, 20, from Hod Hasharon. Both served in the Ari Battalion of the Home Front Command's Rescue Brigade. Three other soldiers sustained minor injuries.