IDF 98th Division Completes West Bank Mission After Counterterrorism Push
The IDF's 98th Division completed its West Bank mission after conducting over 1,500 counterterrorism operations, arresting 140 suspects, and returning to reserve status.
The IDF's 98th Division has completed its operational mission commanding the Judea and Etzion regional brigades in the West Bank. The division was deployed on September 25 to bolster command, control, defense, and offensive capabilities across the region ahead of the holiday season.
During its deployment, the division executed over 1,500 counterterrorism operations, resulting in the arrest of more than 140 suspects and the seizure of approximately 35 weapons. The IDF stated that the mission aimed to confront terrorism while ensuring a routine civilian life.
Two significant operational events marked the division's deployment over the past month and a half. In the first incident in Hebron, Staff Sergeant Ron Yonatan Roitman and Sergeant Yuval Shai Suilem were killed in an armed clash, while three other soldiers sustained injuries. The division noted that their actions prevented a severe attack against Israeli citizens. The second major effort involved securing hundreds of thousands of Israeli visitors at the Cave of the Patriarchs during the Sukkot holiday and the recent 'Hayei Sarah' Sabbath.
With the completion of this mission, the 98th Division is returning to serve as a General Staff reserve, focusing on enhancing its readiness for additional scenarios.
