Military Forces Level Buildings Near Hebron After Fatal Ambush
A major cleanup and search effort follows the loss of two soldiers, aiming to secure the area and identify remaining threats.
By Carmen Wojcik ·
Israeli military units and civil administration staff moved quickly on Saturday to tear down unauthorized buildings near the northern gate of Hebron. This action marks a significant step in the ongoing security push that began immediately after a violent ambush the previous day. The primary goal is to restore order and remove physical obstacles that could hide enemies or complicate troop movements.
The immediate trigger for this intensified activity was an attack at Yehuda Junction on Friday. That incident claimed the lives of two soldiers, St.-Sgt. Ron Yonatan Roytman and Sgt. Yuval Shai Svilem. Officials stated that removing the nearby illegal construction helps enforce the rule of law and eliminates specific security risks associated with those structures.
The operation is being coordinated by the Judea Brigade, which has gathered a diverse range of forces to ensure thorough coverage. Troops from the Duvdevan and Maglan units, along with the Paratroopers Brigade, are on the ground. Givati reconnaissance reservists and Border Police officers are also participating. The Shin Bet security agency provides critical intelligence support to guide these combined efforts.
During the sweep, soldiers inspected approximately 200 different sites. They checked for hidden weapons and signs of terrorist activity, leading to the arrest of ten individuals. Military intelligence indicates that about 2,000 people in the vicinity belong to the Ja'aba clan. This group has ties to Hamas and is the origin of the shooters involved in Friday's deadly incident.
Central Command officials identified the two attackers as Hamouda and Firas al-Ja'aba. Both men are affiliated with Hamas and reportedly came directly from the Ein Dir-Baha neighborhood. By Friday evening, the military had started evacuating the al-Jalda and Ein Dir-Baha districts. These are densely populated areas in western Hebron. Civilians who chose to leave were allowed to pass through specific checkpoints managed by the Shin Bet and IDF.
The decision to move residents out of their homes allows security forces to conduct detailed searches of buildings and family homes. This process helps locate weapons, explosives labs, and caches without putting civilians in harm's way. The area is widely recognized as a hub for Hamas operations within the city. A situation assessment will take place on Saturday to decide if the mission should grow.
Brig.-Gen. Kobi Heller, who leads the West Bank Division, has also widened arrest operations and searches in Nablus, Jenin, and Tulkarm. These additional actions cover various parts of Samaria. The expanded measures come at a time when there are concerns that Hamas leaders overseas may try to stage attacks before upcoming elections.
