IDF Concludes Hebron Operation After Week of Counter-Terror Activity

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) concluded a week-long counter-terrorism operation in Hebron on Monday, withdrawing forces from the city. The operation was launched following a deadly shooting attack that claimed the lives of Sergeant Major Ron Yonatan Reitman and Sergeant Yuval Shai Suilam. The IDF's extensive activities included demolishing the homes of the terrorists responsible for the attack, arresting dozens of suspects, and conducting engineering operations. Forces from units including Duvdevan, Maglan, Paratroopers, and reserve units of the Givati Reconnaissance Battalion, along with the Judea and Samaria Division and Border Police, participated under the intelligence guidance of the Shin Bet and the command of the Judea Brigade and Division 98. The operation focused on the Hamas-affiliated Al-Hamla neighborhood, where forces scanned numerous locations, seized four weapons, and confiscated military equipment. In addition to demolishing the terrorists' homes, underground spaces and illegal infrastructure were neutralized. The IDF also confiscated 25 illegal vehicles, identified as 'matubot' (illegal vehicles), which were used by the terrorists. The political echelon agreed to the IDF's request to end the operation on the condition that the use of a new method for civilian evacuation in urban areas after attacks would be deepened, and a message would be conveyed to the Palestinian Authority that future evacuations would be broader if further attacks occur. IDF operations to thwart terrorism throughout Judea and Samaria continue. Currently, forces are focused on defense ahead of the 'Chayei Sarah' Shabbat, which is expected to draw tens of thousands of visitors to the Jewish community in Hebron.