Israel Launches Major Military Operation in Hebron Following Deadly Attack

Israeli forces intensified their presence in Hebron, in the southern West Bank, on Saturday morning, imposing a comprehensive closure on the city's entrances and access roads. This action followed a deadly shooting attack on Friday that killed two Israeli soldiers and wounded three others. The military operation, announced by the Israeli army and the Shin Bet security agency on Friday evening, is expected to last several days and includes widespread searches for weapons and what the army termed "terrorist infrastructure." Palestinian security sources reported that Israeli forces, reinforced by military vehicles and bulldozers, raided several areas within Hebron, including Deir Baha, Al-Jalda Square, and Namra, searching homes.

The entire Hebron Governorate, encompassing the city, its towns, and refugee camps, experienced a complete lockdown. Universities and schools announced the suspension of classes, and the Transportation Union declared a halt to vehicle movement to ensure public safety amidst the numerous Israeli military checkpoints established throughout the governorate.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had ordered a military cordon around Hebron and preparations for a full closure of the occupied West Bank on Friday. During a visit to the site of the earlier attack, Netanyahu stated that the army would implement an "offensive camp model" in Hebron, similar to operations conducted in northern West Bank camps. This model involves evacuating residents, raiding and searching homes, confiscating weapons, and demolishing structures described as "terrorist infrastructure." He also threatened to expand military operations to other West Bank cities.

The intensified measures came after the Friday morning shooting incident near Hebron, where the two perpetrators engaged Israeli soldiers, resulting in the deaths of the two soldiers and injuries to three others. The perpetrators, identified as Mohammed and Ahmed Al-Jab'a, were killed in the exchange. Israeli forces also arrested several relatives of the perpetrators and began demolishing the homes of families associated with them.

These developments occur just days before the upcoming Israeli elections, scheduled for Tuesday. Several Israeli ministers have called for expanding military operations in the West Bank and tightening restrictions on Palestinians.