IDF launches counterterrorism operation in Hebron after two soldiers killed

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a counterterrorism operation in Hebron on Friday after two Palestinian terrorists killed two Israeli soldiers and wounded three others in a shooting attack at the Judea Junction south of the city.

The two soldiers killed were identified as Staff Sgt. Ron Yonatan Roytman, 23, and Sgt. Yuval Shai Svilem, 20, both serving in the Home Front Command’s Search and Rescue Brigade. The terrorists were killed in an exchange of fire. The IDF assessed that the troops’ rapid response likely prevented a larger attack.

The operation involves IDF soldiers, the Shin Bet security agency, Border Police and the Civil Administration, which are conducting what the military described as “targeted and thorough searches” to locate weapons and dismantle terrorist infrastructure, as well as question dozens of suspects.

The Israeli military stressed that its operations will initially be “focused and limited to the area from which the terrorists operated.” Residents will be permitted to leave the affected area using three designated exit points after questioning and security checks. The IDF added that “anyone who raises suspicion during the checks will be taken for questioning by security forces.”

On Friday, the IDF also announced that it had measured the homes of the two terrorists ahead of potential demolitions. Israeli forces imposed a closure on Hebron and nearby Palestinian Authority (PA)-controlled towns and villages.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that Israel would “destroy” the terrorist infrastructure in the area. He also ordered a lockdown ahead of Israel’s national elections on Tuesday.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich warned of strong measures against those threatening the Jewish state’s security.

“We are already here with the equipment on the ground, sending an unequivocal message to our enemies: if you mess with us, we will exact a very, very painful price from you,” Smotrich said. He also said he ordered “a series of demolitions of illegal structures” to “create deterrence and exact a price for the serious attack today.”

Israel’s policy of demolishing terrorists’ homes is intended to deter future attacks.

The Israeli human rights organization B’Tselem condemned the planned demolitions, warning that Israeli leaders were engaging in “collective punishment and acts that could constitute war crimes.” The group called on foreign governments and international institutions to intervene to prevent what it described as forcible displacement, punitive measures and "extensive unlawful destruction in Hebron."

PA activist Issa Amro called on “the UN, international governments, and humanitarian organizations to act now: protect civilians, demand an end to unlawful demolitions and collective restrictions, and ensure safe access to essential supplies and emergency services.”

According to the PA's Health Ministry, more than 1,100 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Judea and Samaria since the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. The IDF has said that the vast majority were armed terrorists killed in exchanges of fire with IDF troops. During the same period, terrorists in Judea and Samaria have killed 60 Israeli civilians and security personnel.