Hebron Troops Demolish 200 Sites After Two Soldiers Killed
Evacuations in two neighborhoods target the Hamas-linked Ja'aba clan following Friday's ambush at Yehuda Junction.
By Fatima Zayed ·
Israeli forces demolished illegally built structures near the northern entrance of Hebron on Saturday. The action followed a shooting attack on Friday that killed two soldiers.
The military targeted 200 locations during the sweep. Troops searched these sites to remove weapons and clear terrorist infrastructure. They arrested 10 suspects in the process.
The operation focuses on the Ja'aba clan. Security officials identify this group as affiliated with Hamas. The clan is based in the Ein Dir-Baha neighborhood. Two gunmen from this area killed the soldiers at Yehuda Junction.
The victims were St. Sgt. Ron Yonatan Roytman and Sgt. Yuval Shai Svilem. Military leaders stated the demolitions aim to enforce law and order. They also seek to eliminate security threats posed by the buildings.
Approximately 2,000 residents in the affected area belong to the Ja'aba clan. The military began evacuating the al-Jalda and Ein Dir-Baha neighborhoods on Friday evening. These districts are densely populated and lie within the Palestinian urban area of Hebron.
Civilians who requested to leave passed through checkpoints run by the Shin Bet and the IDF. Officials said moving residents allows personnel to search homes and surroundings safely. They look for ammunition, explosives labs, and weapons caches.
The Judea Brigade commands the campaign. Units from Duvdevan, Maglan, the Paratroopers Brigade, and Givati reconnaissance reservists participate. Border Police and Shin Bet intelligence support the effort.
Brig. Gen. Kobi Heller, commander of the West Bank Division, expanded searches to Nablus, Jenin, and Tulkarm. He also ordered additional sweeps in Samaria. A situational assessment on Saturday will determine if the Hebron operation expands.
Source: The Jerusalem Post
