After deadly attack on soldiers: Israel launches major operation in the West Bank
Hebron – After the deadly attack on Israeli soldiers, Israel is intensifying its actions in the West Bank. The army and security forces have begun a large-scale anti-terror operation around Hebron. The operation is expected to last several days.
On Friday morning, two Israeli soldiers were killed by gunfire near Hebron, and three others were injured, according to the military. The two suspected Palestinian attackers from Hebron were killed.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (77) spoke of a thwarted "major attack." He has instructed the army and security forces to seal off Hebron immediately and to take additional measures to prevent further terrorist attacks from the West Bank.
Late in the evening, the Israeli army and the domestic intelligence service Shin Bet announced that security forces had begun a systematic search of the affected area. "The forces have begun to search the area in a targeted, precise, and comprehensive manner in order to locate and eliminate terrorist infrastructure and weapons," the joint statement said.
According to the statement, the border police and civil administration are also involved in the operation alongside the army and intelligence services. The measure is limited to the area from which the attackers operated.
Hebron sealed off, roadblocks erected
Security forces sealed off Hebron and the nearby town of Halhul and erected roadblocks. Residents are only allowed to leave the affected area after questioning and through three designated exits.
In addition, illegal structures that pose a security risk are to be demolished at the scene of the attack. At the same time, according to Israeli reports, anti-terror operations are underway in dozens of other locations in the West Bank.
Security situation becomes a campaign issue
The escalation is particularly politically explosive due to its timing: parliamentary elections are taking place in Israel on Tuesday. The conflict with the Palestinians plays a major role in the election campaign.
