200 Sites Searched in Hebron as IDF Targets 2,000 Residents in Clan
Israeli forces demolished structures and evacuated neighborhoods in Hebron following a fatal shooting, while expanding searches across the West Bank.
By Petra Murphy ·
Residents in two western districts of Hebron began evacuating their homes on Friday evening as Israeli security forces moved to clear the area for a thorough inspection. Civilians who requested to leave were allowed to exit through checkpoints controlled by the Shin Bet and the IDF. This temporary displacement allows troops to search family homes and surrounding infrastructure for weapons and explosives without the risk of endangering civilians. The neighborhoods, known as al-Jalda and Ein Dir-Baha, are densely populated areas within the Palestinian urban zone of the city.
The military operation intensified on Saturday when Israeli troops and Civil Administration personnel demolished illegally built structures near the northern entrance to Hebron. These demolitions took place close to the site of a shooting incident that occurred the previous day. The forces stated that the removal of these buildings was necessary to enforce law and order and to eliminate potential security threats. The broader campaign is being directed by the Judea Brigade, with support from Duvdevan and Maglan units, the Paratroopers Brigade, Givati reconnaissance reservists, and Border Police. The Shin Bet security agency provided intelligence guidance for the efforts.
The operation was triggered by a deadly attack on Friday at Yehuda Junction. Two soldiers, St.-Sgt. Ron Yonatan Roytman and Sgt. Yuval Shai Svilem, were killed in the shooting. Military officials identified the gunmen as Hamouda and Firas al-Ja'aba. Both attackers are affiliated with Hamas and came directly from the Ein Dir-Baha neighborhood. During the sweep, soldiers searched approximately 200 locations. They ruled out the presence of weapons and terrorist activity in most of these sites and arrested 10 suspects in the process.
IDF assessments indicate that roughly 2,000 residents in the targeted area belong to the Ja'aba clan. This group is affiliated with Hamas and is the origin of the gunmen responsible for Friday's incident. The security establishment has long regarded this specific area as a hub for Hamas operative activity in Hebron. The evacuation and search process aims to uncover terrorist infrastructure, including ammunition and explosives laboratories, that may have been hidden within the residential structures.
Security officials are preparing a situational assessment on Saturday to decide if the operation should expand further. In the meantime, Brig.-Gen. Kobi Heller, commander of the IDF West Bank Division, has already broadened arrest and search operations in the Nablus, Jenin, and Tulkarm areas. Additional locations throughout Samaria are also under scrutiny. These expanded measures come as the military monitors concerns that Hamas leadership abroad may be attempting to orchestrate attacks ahead of upcoming elections.
The coordinated efforts represent a significant shift in the tactical approach in the region. By combining demolitions, evacuations, and widespread searches, the forces aim to disrupt the operational capabilities of the group involved in the recent attack. The focus remains on securing the northern entrance to Hebron and ensuring that the specific clan networks identified as threats are thoroughly investigated.
