Netanyahu Clashed With IDF Chief Over Hebron Operation Extension

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir engaged in a sharp dispute over the continuation of a military operation in Hebron, which began after a deadly terror attack. The disagreement occurred at the Tel Nof Air Force base during a situation assessment meeting attended by top military brass.

According to a Channel 13 report, the IDF had planned to conclude the operation on Saturday night after completing building searches in the operational area. However, Netanyahu insisted on extending the operation despite the military's assessment that its objectives had been met. Zamir informed the Prime Minister that the operation's goals, including deterrence, locating terror infrastructure, and intelligence gathering, had been achieved. He also raised the legal aspect, stating there was no justification to prevent Palestinian families displaced by the operation from returning to their homes.

Despite Zamir's recommendation to end the operation, Netanyahu refused, and the activity continued. The operation, which involved searching approximately 500 buildings, led to the discovery of a rifle and a pistol. Soldiers participating in the operation also reportedly expressed frustration with its prolonged continuation, with some noting they had been deployed for 28 days due to the decision not to declare the operation's end.

The operation in Hebron was launched following a Friday shooting attack near the Judean Crossroads, which killed two soldiers from the Home Front Command's Ari Battalion, Sergeant Major Ron Yonatan Reitman and Sergeant Yuval Shai Suilam, and wounded three others. The operation focuses on the area inhabited by the Ja'aba clan, believed by the IDF to be affiliated with Hamas and from which the two attackers originated. A military investigation into the attack is also ongoing.