Israeli Military Operation in Hebron Ends Amid Political Controversy

The Israeli military announced on November 2nd the conclusion of its operation in Hebron and the withdrawal of its forces. The campaign, which began on October 23rd, was initially declared complete by the army on the 25th according to plan. However, political leadership, including Prime Minister Netanyahu and Security Minister Katz, requested the army to halt its withdrawal and continue the operation. Israeli media interpreted this as a politically motivated decision on the eve of elections, contradicting the army's assessments.

Palestinian sources in Hebron reported that all displaced residents had returned to their homes and properties despite significant destruction. The operation was launched following an incident on October 23rd that resulted in the deaths of two soldiers. Netanyahu had announced a large-scale military operation in Hebron and other cities, vowing to search homes for weapons and stating the army had prepared a comprehensive plan for the West Bank.

Ministers Ben-Gvir, Smotrich, and Stroock called for the end of the Palestinian Authority and the acceleration of new settlement construction. The Civil Administration, under Smotrich, began demolishing homes, particularly those near main roads. Minister Katz boasted that the army had destroyed the Fara'a area in Hebron, comparing it to scenes in Rafah.

Following the withdrawal, the army reportedly found only four firearms, leading Israeli media, including "Maariv," to question the operation's security effectiveness and cost-benefit ratio. The article suggests the military likely has broader plans for the West Bank aligned with Netanyahu's political goals, potentially serving his electoral interests.

The operation's impact on Palestinian life included damage to infrastructure, property, and public facilities, with daily economic losses estimated at $4 million and educational disruption for approximately 262,000 students. "Maariv" also reported the transfer of military units from the West Bank to the northern front, coinciding with discussions of a potential US-Israeli conflict with Iran, which the article frames as a US initiative with Netanyahu acting as an executor.

A notable aspect of the operation was the swift return of displaced Palestinians, contrasting with historical Israeli policy of prolonged displacement. This rapid return suggests Netanyahu aimed to leverage the operation politically, possibly to counter criticism regarding his past agreements with the PLO and to advance his agenda of undermining the Palestinian Authority and preventing a Palestinian state.

The article notes Israel's increasing international isolation, facing sanctions from European economies and pressure from the US regarding settlement activity. Domestically, there is a lack of consensus on Netanyahu's West Bank policies, with critics accusing him of escalating conflict and even inadvertently laying the groundwork for a Palestinian state. The opposition, while lacking an alternative political project, opposes annexation due to existential risks to Israel.

Overall, Israeli media largely views the Hebron operation as a political, electoral maneuver rather than a security success. Critics argue Netanyahu is exploiting state institutions for personal political gain. Tensions between the security and political echelons are expected to rise post-election, impacting the army and police.