IDF Concludes Extended Hebron Operation Amid Military Friction With Political Leadership
The 98th Division has concluded a ten-day military operation in Hebron, which military officials termed a political failure. Despite IDF objections, the operation was extended by the political leadership ahead of elections.
The 98th Division has withdrawn its forces from Hebron after a ten-day military operation that military officials characterized as a failure and a political public relations stunt. According to army sources, the operation was originally planned to last between 24 and 40 hours, but was extended due to demands from the political leadership ahead of the elections, despite the objections of IDF Chief of General Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir.
The operation was launched following a deadly terrorist attack in Hebron that claimed the lives of IDF soldiers St.-Sgt. Ron Yonatan Roitman and Sgt. Yuval Shay Soylem. Shortly after the incident, forces demolished illegal infrastructure in the area—actions that courts had approved months prior but which the military had previously delayed executing.
A week later, troops conducted a targeted operation in a neighborhood associated with Hamas, demolishing the homes of the two terrorists involved in the attack. Forces searched hundreds of locations, questioned dozens of suspects, and confiscated four items, including a toy pistol, several vests, and military equipment, while sealing an underground space near one of the terrorist's homes. Military officials acknowledged that the extended timeline allowed suspects to flee beforehand, leaving the operation with little operational value beyond the seizure of 25 illegal vehicles, known locally as "mashovot."
The IDF had requested to terminate the operation a week ago, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz rejected the request. Military sources stated that the extended campaign served political interests rather than security needs. The forces finally withdrew to prepare for the upcoming Sabbath, during which tens of visitors are expected in the Jewish community of Hebron.
