The IDF Judea Brigade began a counterterrorism operation earlier this week in the Hebron area, as part of an ongoing effort to enforce law and order and maintain security in the area, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir announced on Thursday.
The operation "is part of a series of proactive operations to thwart terrorism in Judea and Samaria and to strengthen the defense of the settlements," Zamir said.
The operation, which involves fighters from the 932nd, 910th, and Ram Battalions as well as special units, Border Police, and local police forces, has already searched buildings and arrested wanted suspects. Weapons, means of combat, and additional military equipment have been found and seized, according to an IDF statement.
Proactive and sustained action essential, Zamir says
Forces are operating in the Jabal Johar neighborhood in Hebron in response to numerous shootings.
Zamir stressed the importance of "proactive and sustained action to suppress terrorism and its infrastructure."
"It is necessary to ensure the preparedness and alertness of the forces for terror incidents without prior warning."
Zamir also warned against individuals or groups intending to take the law into their own hands, calling such incidents "unacceptable acts that harm the entire settlement enterprise," and reminded that "the IDF and the security forces are the only bodies authorized to use the force required to carry out the mission of defending the sector."
Destruction of Hamas tunnel near yellow line
The IDF located and destroyed a one-kilometer-long terror tunnel in the central camp area east of the Yellow Line, containing weapons and three dormitories used by Hamas terrorists.
The tunnel was located by elements of the IDF’s Kfir Infantry Brigade Combat Team and was destroyed by the Yahalom Combat Engineers special forces unit.
TPS contributed to this report.