Israeli army begins operation in Hebron

West Bank Israeli operation started in Hebron As of: October 24, 2026 • 4:14 p.m

After the deadly attack on soldiers, Israel has launched a military operation in Hebron in the West Bank. Prime Minister Netanyahu announced a “very big surprise” for the Palestinian Authority.

After the deaths of two soldiers in an attack by armed Palestinians, the Israeli army advanced into the city of Hebron in the occupied West Bank on the instructions of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The Israeli army said “precise, targeted and thorough searches” were taking place. The “anti-terror operations” are “expected to last several days.” Security forces also demolished “illegal structures that could pose a security threat.”

The army said the operation was focused on the area from where the two suspected attackers came. After checks and interviews, residents could leave the operational area via three designated exits.

Israel's military has confirmed the deaths of two soldiers following an attack near Hebron in the West Bank. more

Palestinian media reports on forced evictions. Families only had a few minutes to pack up their belongings. Palestinian estimates suggest that between 150 and 250 families were displaced from their homes in Hebron.

The governor of Hebron accused the Israeli government of punishing innocent people for the attack. Shortly before the elections in Israel, the aim is to achieve the desired election result, said the Palestinian politician.

The Palestinian Authority called on the international community to pressure Israel to protect Palestinians. Given the "increasing threats to escalate the scale of forced displacement and destruction," "international action that goes beyond condemnation" is urgently needed, the Palestinian Foreign Ministry said. It called for “concrete and dissuasive measures.”

There have been more deaths in the conflict between Palestinians and Israeli settlers in the West Bank. more

Netanyahu, meanwhile, announced a “very big surprise” for the Palestinian Authority. In an interview with the Israeli broadcaster i24News, he avoided a direct answer when asked whether he would dismantle the Palestinian Authority. However, the Israeli leader said: "I will neutralize this threat using means that I think are best left undisclosed at the moment."

After Friday's attack, Finance Minister Bezale Smotrich and Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir had already called for the dissolution and demilitarization of the Palestinian Authority. Smotrich also called for a military offensive in the West Bank “just like in the Gaza Strip.” There were no indications that the authority was involved in the attack.

With information from Bettina Meier, ARD Tel Aviv

This topic in the program: tagesschau.de | House searches and forced evictions - Hebron in a state of emergency | Oct 24, 2026 | 2:30 p.m