Israel Escalates Military Operations in Hebron After Soldier Deaths

Israeli forces intensified military measures in the Hebron Governorate in the southern West Bank on Saturday, following a shooting incident Friday that killed two Israeli soldiers and wounded three others. The operation, which began early Saturday, involved closing entrances to the city and surrounding roads, conducting house raids, and making arrests. Israeli troops, supported by military vehicles and bulldozers, were deployed in various areas of Hebron, including Deir Baha, Al-Jalda roundabout, and Namra, where they searched homes. Military checkpoints were established, and movement restrictions were tightened throughout the governorate. Educational institutions announced the suspension of classes, and the transportation union declared a halt to vehicle movement due to the widespread closures and checkpoints.

The Israeli military and the Shin Bet security agency announced Friday evening the commencement of a military operation in the Hebron area, expected to last several days. The operation includes raids and searches for weapons, as well as the interrogation of dozens of Palestinians. A military cordon was imposed on the Hebron and Halhul areas, with crossing points established for Palestinians after security checks and interrogations. The operation followed a shooting near Hebron where two soldiers were killed and three injured. The two assailants, Muhammad and Ahmed Al-Jaba, were killed in the incident. Subsequently, arrests were made of relatives of the assailants, and preparations began for demolishing their homes.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously issued directives to impose a military cordon on Hebron and prepare for a comprehensive closure of the West Bank. He vowed to implement what he described as an "offensive camp model," which includes evacuating residents, raiding and searching homes, and demolishing what Israel terms "terrorist infrastructure."

Concurrently with the escalation in Hebron, Israeli forces raided the city of Nablus, searching a warehouse in a residential building, and entered the Fawwar camp south of Hebron. Journalist Mosab Qafisha was arrested after his home was raided in Hebron. The increased military activity coincides with the approaching Israeli elections scheduled for next Tuesday, amid calls within the Israeli government to expand military operations in the West Bank and tighten measures against Palestinians.