IDF Launches Major Counter-Terror Operation in Hebron After Deadly Attack

Following a deadly shooting attack at the Yehuda Junction that claimed the lives of two Israeli soldiers, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a large-scale counter-terrorism operation in Hebron on Friday. The operation, expected to last several days, targets the area from which the two assailants, identified as cousins from Hebron, emerged before they were neutralized by forces.

IDF, Shin Bet, Border Police, and the Judea Regional Brigade are participating in the operation, which involves raids on dozens of locations across the area. The objective is to locate weapons, dismantle terror infrastructure, and interrogate dozens of suspects linked to terror activities. The operation includes searches of locations connected to the assailants' clan and has imposed movement restrictions on local residents, who can exit the area only through designated checkpoints after security checks.

The operation is a direct continuation of immediate post-attack efforts, which included mapping the assailants' homes, imposing curfews on Hebron and Dura, and conducting offensive actions in nearby villages. The IDF is also working to remove illegal structures posing security risks.

The attack occurred when two gunmen arrived at the Yehuda Junction, exited their vehicle, and opened fire on soldiers. A prolonged firefight ensued, resulting in the deaths of Sergeant Ron Yonatan Reitman, 23, and Sergeant Yuval Shai Suilem, 20. Three other soldiers sustained minor injuries. Reinforcements arrived and managed to eliminate both attackers, identified as Hamuda al-Ja'aba and Firas al-Ja'aba, both 27.

Security officials believe the attackers intended to carry out a significant attack against Israeli civilians, a plan thwarted by the encounter. A large quantity of ammunition was found in their vehicle, along with an M16 rifle and a handgun. Investigations are ongoing to determine if they acted independently or were directed by another terror entity.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the attack site and vowed to act forcefully against terror infrastructure. He announced plans to expand military operations into the neighborhoods from which the attackers came, stating, "We will go house to house, we will take out the weapons, and all terror infrastructure will be dealt with and destroyed." Concurrently, security measures have been heightened in other areas of Judea and Samaria, including Jenin, Nablus, and Jericho, to prevent further attacks. The Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, confirmed that the IDF had prepared for a potential escalation in Judea and Samaria and had reinforced its forces in the region.