IDF Launches Major Hebron Operation After Deadly Terror Attack

In the early hours of Saturday, October 24, the IDF and Shin Bet announced the commencement of a large-scale military operation in Hebron, expected to last several days. The operation was initiated following a deadly terror attack at the Yehuda junction, which claimed the lives of senior sergeant Ron Yonatan Reitman and sergeant Yuval Shai Swilem. The extensive operation involves security forces inspecting dozens of sites, including those linked to the family clan of the perpetrators.

According to a joint statement, IDF units, Shin Bet, and the Border Police's MAGAV in Judea and Samaria, under the command of the "Yehuda" brigade, launched the counter-terrorism operation in the Hebron area. The two terrorists, who were killed in a firefight that also resulted in the deaths of two Israeli soldiers and injuries to several others, originated from Hebron. Security forces are conducting thorough inspections of infrastructure to neutralize terrorist targets and weapons, and plan to interrogate dozens of suspects.

The operation is focused on the area from which the terrorists operated and is expected to continue for several days. Residents in the active zone will be allowed to leave after security checks at designated points. The military stated that anyone arousing suspicion will be handed over for further interrogation.

This operation is a direct continuation of offensive counter-terrorism measures that began earlier on Saturday, including planning house demolitions of terrorists, blocking Hebron and Halhul, closing roads, and conducting operations to prevent attacks in local villages. Engineering work is also underway to alter the terrain, dismantle illegal structures, and remove infrastructure posing security threats.

The terror attack occurred on the morning of October 23 at the Yehuda junction on Highway 35. Two Palestinian terrorists opened fire on IDF soldiers, leading to a prolonged firefight. Sergeant Major Ron Yonatan Reitman, 23, and Sergeant Yuval Shai Swilem, 20, were killed, and three other soldiers sustained minor injuries. The terrorists, identified as 27-year-old Hamuda al-Jaba and Firas al-Jaba from Hebron, were killed by responding forces. Security officials believe the attackers intended to carry out a major attack in central Israel, and their vehicle was found with a large quantity of ammunition.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the site of the attack and vowed to expand military operations in the terrorists' home neighborhoods, employing a model that includes troop deployment, resident evacuation, and the destruction of terrorist infrastructure. The two fallen soldiers were serving in the newly formed "Ari" battalion, which had only recently begun operational duties.