Hebron Security: Troops Demolish Structures After Yehuda Junction Ambush

Israeli forces and Civil Administration officials demolished illegally built structures near the northern entrance of Hebron on Saturday. The action marked the second day of a large-scale military operation triggered by a shooting incident that killed two soldiers at Yehuda Junction the previous day.

The victims were identified as St.-Sgt. Ron Yonatan Roytman and Sgt. Yuval Shai Svilem. Military authorities stated that the demolitions near the ambush site aimed to enforce law and order while removing potential security threats posed by the infrastructure.

The operation is directed by the Judea Brigade and includes personnel from the Duvdevan and Maglan units, the Paratroopers Brigade, Givati reconnaissance reservists, and Border Police. The Shin Bet security agency provides intelligence support for the campaign.

During the sweep, troops inspected approximately 200 locations to clear them of weapons and terrorist activity. Ten suspects were arrested during this phase of the operation.

IDF assessments indicate that roughly 2,000 residents in the affected zone belong to the Ja'aba clan, which maintains ties to Hamas. Central Command officials identified the gunmen as Hamouda and Firas al-Ja'aba, noting that both originated from the Ein Dir-Baha neighborhood.

Evacuations began on Friday evening in the al-Jalda and Ein Dir-Baha districts. These densely populated areas in western Hebron lie within the city's Palestinian urban section. Residents who requested to leave were allowed to exit temporarily through checkpoints managed by the Shin Bet and the IDF.

Officials explained that clearing buildings allows security forces to search homes and surrounding areas for terrorist infrastructure, weapons, ammunition, and explosives laboratories without risking civilian safety. The zone is recognized by the security establishment as a hub for Hamas operatives. A situational assessment was scheduled for Saturday to decide on expanding the operation. Meanwhile, Brig.-Gen. Kobi Heller, commander of the IDF's West Bank Division, ordered broader searches and arrests in Nablus, Jenin, Tulkarm, and other parts of Samaria amid concerns about Hamas-led attacks ahead of upcoming elections.