Netanyahu Clashes With IDF Over Hebron Operation Ahead of Elections

Chief of Staff Zamir recommended concluding the operation on Saturday, stating that its immediate objectives had been met and citing legal difficulties in displacing residents alongside a lack of significant military gains. Military officials argued that the operation's limited results did not justify its continuation, warning of risks to soldier safety and potential escalation in densely populated areas.

In contrast, the political leadership insisted on continuing and expanding the operation to dismantle Hamas infrastructure through house-to-house searches, arrests, and targeting headquarters. Netanyahu and Katz assessed that the terrorists were heavily armed, making further searches necessary for deterrence and finding weapons. The closure on Hebron and the lockdown on Judea and Samaria will remain in place until after the upcoming elections.

According to Haaretz, the decision by Netanyahu and Katz blocked an IDF plan to allow over 2,000 displaced Palestinian residents to return to their homes, insisting instead on continuing their displacement.