IDF Ends 11-Day Hebron Operation After Attack That Killed Two Soldiers

The IDF announced Monday morning that it had concluded an 11-day military operation in the Hebron area, launched following the deadly attack at Yehuda Junction in which two soldiers from the Home Front Command's Ari Battalion were killed.

During the operation, Israeli forces arrested and questioned dozens of suspects, confiscated weapons and military equipment, and demolished illegal structures.

The operation focused on a neighborhood associated with the family clan of the two terrorists responsible for the attack, which is reportedly affiliated with Hamas.

Troops searched hundreds of locations and seized four weapons, several tactical vests, and additional military equipment. Forces also sealed an underground space discovered near the home of one of the attackers and confiscated illegal vehicles similar to the one used in the attack.

The operation began shortly after the shooting at Yehuda Junction, where two terrorists arrived and opened fire on Israeli forces. The attack led to an exchange of fire lasting approximately 20 minutes.

Following the attack, IDF troops, the Civil Administration, and the Judea District Coordination Office demolished illegal structures in the area. A week later, Israeli forces also demolished the homes of the two terrorists.

The operation involved soldiers from the elite Maglan unit, the Paratroopers Brigade, Givati reconnaissance reservists, the Judea and Samaria Police District, and Border Police forces operating in the region.

The operation was commanded by the IDF's 98th Division, which had deployed additional troops to the area several weeks earlier in response to escalating security tensions.

Meanwhile, reports have emerged of disagreements between senior military officials and the political leadership over how long the operation should continue.

According to the report, senior IDF officials had sought to conclude the operation last week, ahead of the elections, but political leaders opposed ending it at that stage.

Military sources reportedly believe the decision was influenced by political considerations surrounding the election timetable.

The IDF had sought to redeploy troops to other operational areas and allow units to resume training, amid the significant demands placed on military personnel.