200 Sites Cleared as IDF Presses Hebron Operation

The military sweep of western Hebron concluded with the clearance of 200 distinct locations on Saturday. This aggressive push marks the latest phase in a high-intensity counterterrorism campaign that began in the wake of a deadly ambush. The operation aims to restore order and eliminate hidden threats in a densely populated sector of the city.

The immediate trigger for this deployment was the ambush at Yehuda Junction on Friday. Two soldiers, St.-Sgt. Ron Yonatan Roytman and Sgt. Yuval Shai Svilem, lost their lives in the attack. In response, troops and Civil Administration staff moved quickly to demolish illegally constructed buildings and infrastructure near the northern entrance. Officials stated these actions are necessary to enforce law and order while removing potential security hazards posed by the structures.

The scale of the effort involves multiple elite units operating under the Judea Brigade command. Duvdevan and Maglan troops, Paratroopers, Givati reconnaissance reservists, and Border Police personnel conducted the searches. The Shin Bet security agency provided crucial intelligence guidance throughout the operation. This coordinated approach reflects a strategic shift toward proactive security measures in the region.

Military assessments indicate that the area is home to approximately 2,000 residents of the Ja'aba clan. This group is affiliated with Hamas and is linked to the gunmen responsible for Friday's shooting. Central Command officials identified the attackers as Hamouda and Firas al-Ja'aba. Both men came directly from the Ein Dir-Baha neighborhood, which is now a focal point of the military activity.

Evacuations began on Friday evening in the al-Jalda and Ein Dir-Baha districts. These are densely populated areas within the Palestinian urban section of Hebron. Civilians who wished to leave were allowed to exit through checkpoints run by the Shin Bet and IDF. This temporary removal of residents allows security forces to search homes and surrounding areas for weapons, explosives, and terrorist infrastructure without risking civilian safety.

The security establishment views this district as a known center of Hamas activity. A situational assessment will take place on Saturday to determine if the operation should expand further. In the meantime, Brig.-Gen. Kobi Heller has widened arrest and search operations across Nablus, Jenin, and Tulkarm. Additional locations in Samaria are also under scrutiny as part of this broader effort.

These expanded moves occur amid growing concerns that Hamas leadership abroad is attempting to orchestrate new attacks. The timing is particularly sensitive as it coincides with upcoming elections. The military aims to disrupt these plans through decisive action and thorough intelligence gathering.