IDF clears 200 sites in Hebron after two soldiers killed

Two hundred sites in Hebron were cleared by Israeli forces on Saturday. The operation followed a shooting attack that killed two soldiers the previous day.

The military and Civil Administration personnel demolished illegally constructed buildings near the northern entrance to the city. These structures stood close to Yehuda Junction, where St.-Sgt. Ron Yonatan Roytman and Sgt. Yuval Shai Svilem were killed on Friday.

Commanders stated the demolitions aimed to enforce law and order. They also sought to eliminate security threats posed by the structures in the area.

The Judea Brigade leads the counterterrorism campaign. It involves troops from Duvdevan, Maglan, Paratroopers, Givati reconnaissance reservists, and Border Police. The Shin Bet security agency provides intelligence guidance.

Soldiers searched approximately 200 locations to rule out weapons and terrorist activity. Ten suspects were arrested during the sweep. IDF assessments indicate that roughly 2,000 residents in the area belong to the Ja'aba clan.

Military officials identified the attackers as Hamouda and Firas al-Ja'aba. Both men are affiliated with Hamas. They came from the Ein Dir-Baha neighborhood. Forces began evacuating the al-Jalda and Ein Dir-Baha neighborhoods on Friday evening. These districts are densely populated in western Hebron.

Civilians could exit through checkpoints run by the Shin Bet and IDF. Officials said moving residents allows personnel to search homes for terrorist infrastructure without endangering civilians. Brig.-Gen. Kobi Heller expanded arrests and searches in Nablus, Jenin, Tulkarm, and Samaria. A situational assessment was scheduled for Saturday to determine if the operation would expand.