Israeli Military Raids 400 Sites in Hebron After Soldier Deaths

The Israeli Defense Forces launched a sweeping military operation in the West Bank city of Hebron starting October 23, 2026. The crackdown followed a checkpoint attack that killed two Israeli soldiers and wounded three others. The military has raided approximately 400 sites to locate weapons and terrorist infrastructure, sealing off Hebron and the nearby town of Halhul, while blocking roads leading to Tuqu near Bethlehem.

During the operation, Israeli forces evicted hundreds of Palestinian families and demolished buildings. In the Khallat Manna and Dahiyat al-Zaytoun areas, the military converted seized homes into observation posts and barracks. The army reported discovering a large cache of ammunition in the vehicle used by the attackers.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed retaliation for the shooting, which occurred shortly before a national election. Military Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir stated that troops prevented "an even more serious attack." While Hamas praised the shooting, the group did not claim responsibility. Hebron Mayor Yousef Jabari condemned the military action, characterizing it as "collective punishment" and "election propaganda."