Israel's Top Brass Divided on Hebron Operation After Deadly Attack
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
Israel's military and political leaders are at odds over continuing Operation "Lion's Roar" in Hebron, launched after two soldiers were killed. Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir believes the operation should end, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz have ordered its continuation to dismantle Hamas infrastructure. The Hebron lockdown will persist until after the upcoming elections to prevent terror attacks.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir recommended ending the Hebron operation, citing met objectives.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz ordered the IDF to continue the operation.
- The political leadership aims to eradicate Hamas infrastructure in Hebron.
- The Hebron lockdown will remain in place until after the upcoming elections.
- The operation began after a deadly shooting attack killed two IDF soldiers.
A professional dispute has emerged between Israel's military and political leadership regarding the continuation of Operation "Lion's Roar" in Hebron. The operation, launched following a fatal shooting attack that claimed the lives of two IDF soldiers, is facing disagreement over its necessity and scope.
Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir conveyed to the political echelon that the army sees no justification for extending the operation. According to the military's assessment, the immediate objectives against local terror infrastructure have been met. Continuing extensive offensive actions in densely populated Arab neighborhoods is deemed unnecessary and could potentially lead to increased friction, endanger soldiers' lives, and escalate the situation.
However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz rejected Zamir's recommendation. They instructed the IDF to intensify the operation, aiming for the complete eradication of Hamas infrastructure in Hebron. Their operational approach is modeled after tactics used in refugee camps in the northern West Bank, involving house-to-house searches, widespread arrests, and targeting the organization's command centers.
As part of the political leadership's decision, the lockdown on Hebron and the surrounding Judea and Samaria region will remain in effect until after the upcoming elections. This measure is intended to prevent terrorist organizations from carrying out attacks that could destabilize the security situation during this sensitive period. Forces from the Judea Brigade are continuing their operations in the area as per the directives.
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