IDF Expands West Bank Operations Amid Internal Arms Recovery Drive
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has expanded its operational activity in the West Bank with a new counter-terrorism mission in Samaria and a continued operation in Hebron. The Samaria operation involves destroying terrorist homes, arresting suspects, and confiscating weapons, while the Hebron mission focuses on locating weapons after a deadly attack. Amidst these operations, the IDF is also launching an internal drive to recover military equipment from soldiers and reservists without penalty.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- IDF launched a new counter-terrorism operation in Samaria alongside an ongoing mission in Hebron.
- The Samaria operation includes destroying terrorist homes and arresting suspects involved in attacks.
- The Hebron operation continues despite controversy between military and political leadership.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz pushed for the Hebron operation's continuation.
- IDF will conduct an internal operation to recover military equipment from soldiers and reservists.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has intensified its operational activity in the West Bank, launching a focused counter-terrorism operation in Samaria alongside an ongoing mission in Hebron. The Samaria operation targets eight villages and the city of Nablus, while the Hebron operation continues following a recent deadly attack. Both operations are commanded by separate divisions, with the Samaria mission expected to be shorter than the Hebron one.
During the Samaria operation, the IDF destroyed the homes of two terrorists, Zechariah Muhammad Abd Daoud and Ibrahim Abd Al-Karim Abd Daoud, in the village of Beta. The IDF stated these individuals carried out three explosive device attacks in 2024 and 2025, injuring security forces in two instances. Additionally, forces arrested a suspect in the village of Yatzid, believed to be involved in trading explosives and weapons for a terror cell, and another individual in a separate village suspected of manufacturing explosives and weapons. The IDF also dismantled 12 terrorist memorials linked to attacks and incitement, searched approximately 300 locations, arrested eight wanted individuals, and confiscated weapons.
In Hebron, where the 98th Division is deployed after a fatal attack last Friday that killed two soldiers and injured three others, forces confiscated weapons and equipment. Border Police undercover operatives, guided by the Shin Bet, arrested six wanted individuals, including Hamas operatives suspected of terror activities, in several villages in the Hebron region.
The Hebron operation persists despite limited operational achievements and controversy between military and political echelons. Thousands of Palestinians have been displaced, and legal challenges have arisen regarding prolonged displacement. Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir reportedly favored concluding the operation, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz insisted on its continuation for deterrence and to locate weapons. The political leadership's decision prevailed, and the operation continues.
Concurrently, the IDF is initiating an internal operation from November 1 to 12 to recover military equipment and weapons held by active-duty soldiers and reservists. Approximately 65 collection points will be established across IDF bases. This initiative allows soldiers to return items such as firearms, night vision gear, communication equipment, uniforms, and body armor without facing prosecution or needing to identify themselves. This drive aims to consolidate military assets outside of official control.
Mentioned
