Israel launches targeted anti-terror sweep in Hebron area after soldier deaths
Israel began a multi-agency anti-terror operation in the Hebron region following a shooting that killed two soldiers, while Prime Minister Netanyahu warned of a blockade around Hebron and Halhul.
After a firearm assault close to Hebron resulted in two Israeli soldiers being killed and three injured, Israel’s military, internal security service Shin Bet, border police and civil administration launched a coordinated anti-terror operation in the Hebron zone. The forces aim to systematically search the area, seize weapons and dismantle terror networks. The two alleged Palestinian gunmen were killed during the incident, which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described as a "serious attack."
Netanyahu also signaled that a blockade will be imposed on the Palestinian localities of Hebron and Halhul, restricting movement in those zones. The campaign, expected to continue for several days, will also see the demolition of illegal buildings deemed potential security hazards and the setup of roadblocks to control access.
Why it matters
The operation could intensify Israeli-Palestinian tensions ahead of Israel's parliamentary election.
How this story developed
- Sep 1 EU debates ban on settlement products as Israeli forces raze West Bank homes
- Oct 10 The consulate was officially renamed the UK Mission, Jerusalem and its staff was reduced to seven.
- Oct 10 Approximately 10,000 people gathered in Dublin for a pro-Palestine march, demanding Irish sanctions on Israel and criticizing government policies.
- Oct 12 A Gaza resident died of liver cancer after prolonged delays in medical evacuation.
- Oct 16 A settler was observed firing a gun during the latest assault.
- Oct 16 Israeli airstrikes on the cease‑fire anniversary caused new civilian fatalities.
- Oct 17 Heidi Levine was kicked, stripped of her equipment and hospitalized after being assaulted by roughly fifty young settlers.
- Oct 17 A London demonstration of roughly 250,000 participants was added to the global protest series.
- Oct 17 Settlers attacked a diplomatic convoy in Taybeh, injuring French mayor Bernard Baudoux.
- Oct 19 Israeli police have taken eight individuals into custody following a series of assaults by settlers in the West Bank, which targeted a U.S. photojournalist and several European diplomats.
- Oct 19 Police have arrested ten suspects and filed charges of violent conduct and breach of military orders.
- Oct 23 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the Israeli army is being readied for a comprehensive lockdown of the West Bank following a shooting that wounded five Israelis.
- Oct 23 Netanyahu signalled a broader West Bank shutdown and convened an emergency security cabinet meeting.
- Oct 23 Israeli army chief Eyal Zamir said troops would “act forcefully, pursue and reach all those involved in the attack”.
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