IDF Expands Hebron Sweep to Nablus and Jenin After Fatal Ambush
Following the deaths of two soldiers at Yehuda Junction, military forces have arrested ten suspects and evacuated two neighborhoods in Hebron while intensifying operations across the West Bank.
By Amit Ricci ·
Israeli military forces expanded their counterterrorism operations in the West Bank on Saturday, broadening arrest campaigns in Nablus, Jenin, and Tulkarm following a deadly shooting in Hebron. Brig.-Gen. Kobi Heller, commander of the IDF’s West Bank Division, ordered these additional searches in Samaria as part of a coordinated response to Friday’s attack. The expansion aims to disrupt Hamas networks ahead of upcoming elections, according to security assessments.
The initial offensive centered on the northern entrance to Hebron, where troops and Civil Administration personnel demolished illegally constructed buildings on Saturday. The military stated that these demolitions near Yehuda Junction were necessary to eliminate security threats and enforce order. Soldiers searched approximately 200 locations in the area, ruling out the presence of weapons and active terrorist infrastructure. During this sweep, forces arrested ten suspects.
The operation followed the killing of St.-Sgt. Ron Yonatan Roytman and Sgt. Yuval Shai Svilem at Yehuda Junction on Friday. Central Command officials identified the gunmen as Hamouda and Firas al-Ja'aba, both Hamas affiliates from the Ein Dir-Baha neighborhood. The military assessment indicates that approximately 2,000 residents in the target zone belong to the Ja'aba clan, which is linked to Hamas and is the source of the attackers.
Friday evening marked the beginning of evacuations in the al-Jalda and Ein Dir-Baha neighborhoods. These densely populated districts in western Hebron are considered a hub for Hamas activity. Shin Bet and IDF personnel operated designated checkpoints to allow civilians to exit temporarily. Officials explained that removing residents enables security teams to search homes and surrounding areas for explosives labs, ammunition, and weapons caches without placing civilians in danger.
The Judea Brigade leads the campaign, supported by Duvdevan and Maglan units, the Paratroopers Brigade, and Givati reconnaissance reservists. Border Police also participate, with intelligence guidance provided by the Shin Bet. A situational assessment is scheduled for Saturday to determine if the operation will expand further.
The intensified military activity reflects growing concerns over coordinated attacks by Hamas leadership abroad. Security officials view the recent ambush as a precursor to potential larger-scale operations intended to influence the political landscape before the elections. The military maintains a heightened state of readiness across the region.
Source: The Jerusalem Post
