Israel’s military launched a multi-day counterterrorism operation in the occupied West Bank on Friday (Oct 23), following a fatal shooting attack that killed two Israeli soldiers near Hebron. The operation, described as extensive by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, involves searches, demolitions, and arrests across multiple locations in the West Bank, including Hebron, Jenin, and Nablus.
The attack occurred at the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint outside Hebron, where two Palestinian gunmen opened fire on Israeli forces. The gunmen were killed in a prolonged firefight, while five Israelis were wounded, two critically. Israeli authorities stated the attackers were carrying substantial ammunition and allegedly planned a larger assault. Hamas praised the attack as a "heroic operation" but did not claim responsibility.
Immediate Response and Operational Details
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet security agency announced the operation in a joint statement late Friday, stating it would last several days. Forces are conducting systematic searches to locate and dismantle "terrorist infrastructure" in the Hebron area, from which the attackers emerged. Additionally, the military is demolishing structures deemed to pose a security threat and questioning suspects.
Residents in operational areas are permitted to leave through three designated exit points after security screening. Individuals raising suspicion during screening will be referred for further questioning. Parallel operations were reported in Jenin, Nablus, Kafr Aqab (east Jerusalem), and Tamun.
Netanyahu visited Hebron on Friday, ordering a full lockdown of the West Bank and pledging a response "on a scale not seen since the 1967 Six-Day War." He stated the operation would follow the aggressive model used in Gaza, including evacuations, house-to-house searches, and the removal of weapons and infrastructure.
Political Context and Election Timing
The operation coincides with Israel’s national election on Tuesday (Oct 27), where security has been a central campaign issue. Netanyahu, facing a tight race, has campaigned on promises to ensure Israeli safety. His visit to Hebron and subsequent announcements were framed as a demonstration of a hardline stance against West Bank militancy.
The attack and subsequent military response have drawn international attention, with concerns raised about escalation in the West Bank. The operation follows a series of counterterrorism measures since Friday, including mapping attackers' homes, sealing off areas, and establishing roadblocks.
Casualties and Aftermath
The two soldiers killed in the attack were identified as Staff Sgt. Ron Yonatan Roytman, 23, of Ashkelon, and Sgt. Yuval Shai Svilem, 20, of Hod Hasharon. Three additional soldiers were wounded, with two in critical condition. The attackers, two Palestinian men from Hebron, were killed after a 20-minute gunfight witnessed by an AFP photographer.
Israeli authorities allege the gunmen intended to target Israeli civilians along a nearby highway but encountered the checkpoint instead. The IDF’s preliminary investigation found substantial ammunition in their vehicle, suggesting premeditation.
Broader Implications
The operation has raised questions about its potential to further strain Israel’s relationship with the United States, particularly given ongoing regional tensions. Some analysts suggest the timing and scale of the response may test international patience, especially amid broader geopolitical shifts.
The IDF has emphasized that the operation is focused on dismantling terrorist infrastructure and preventing future attacks. However, concerns remain about the humanitarian impact on Palestinian civilians in operational areas, including restrictions on movement and the demolition of structures.