IDF Sweeps Judea and Samaria: 40 Suspects Arrested in Massive Raids
Israel Defence Forces arrest 40 suspects and demolish illegal structures in extensive counter-terror raids across Judea and Samaria.
In a massive security crackdown over the weekend, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), in coordination with the Israel Security Agency (ISA) and the Israel Border Police, executed extensive counter-terrorism operations across Judea and Samaria. The joint effort resulted in the apprehension of 40 suspects as part of a strategic move to dismantle terror networks.
Wide-Scale Operations Target Hamas Strongholds
The scale of the operation was immense, with security forces operating in approximately 40 different areas and targeting nearly 400 specific locations. According to an operational update shared by the IDF on the social media platform X, the primary focus of these raids was on regions identified as being associated with Hamas.
The military confirmed that the 40 individuals taken into custody include terrorists affiliated with both Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Beyond known terror operatives, the arrests also targeted individuals involved in inciting violence, creating public disorder, and engaging in rock-hurling activities.
The security forces will continue to operate with determination to prevent the entrenchment of terrorism in the area and thwart any threat to Israeli civilians.
Retaliation and Targeted Raids in Hebron
A significant portion of the weekend's activity was concentrated in Hebron. This targeted mission was launched in direct response to a deadly attack on Friday that resulted in the deaths of two IDF soldiers and left several others wounded.
The IDF stated that the operation in Hebron aimed to dismantle the specific terrorist infrastructure from which the attackers emerged to prevent future strikes. To ensure the safety of the local population, the military allowed civilians to temporarily leave the area through designated screening points, emphasizing that no civilians were forced to evacuate.
Demolition of Illegal Structures
As part of the security sweep in Hebron, the IDF carried out the demolition of unauthorized installations. The military revealed that these illegal structures had been used by terrorists during the Friday assault to conceal themselves while firing upon Israeli soldiers.
The IDF maintained that the demolition of these structures was necessary to remove immediate security threats. Furthermore, the military asserted that all other structures demolished in the vicinity were built illegally, and the actions were carried out in strict accordance with international law to maintain law and order.