IDF pushing for Hebron attack to be classified as clash between soldiers, terrorists, not terror

The IDF is making an effort to characterize Friday's incident in Hebron as an encounter between combat troops and two terrorists, rather than a terrorist attack, in an attempt to avoid professional criticism over the advance preparations of the Judea Regional Brigade, operating under the 98th Division.

At the same time, however, the military says the troops' response prevented a larger attack. The IDF and Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) are still investigating the incident to determine what terrorist network assisted the attackers. At the time of writing, the assessment is that the attack was carried out by a Hamas cell that received assistance from the organization's headquarters in Turkey.

This was not the work of a lone attacker, but rather an organized terrorist network that received assistance from additional operatives in obtaining a handgun, an M4 rifle, ammunition, and training. The terrorists studied the terrain, conducted reconnaissance, and developed operational plans that enabled them to hold off IDF forces for more than 20 minutes. During that time, the military was unable to deploy an attack drone or an aerial surveillance system to eliminate them.

Nevertheless, the IDF has noted that the bravery of the soldiers must be acknowledged. The regional defense officer, who found himself caught up in the incident, and the deputy battalion commander actively engaged the terrorists and killed them.

There is no doubt that this terrorist network operated under the noses of IDF and Shin Bet intelligence officials, despite a general warning that Hamas intended to carry out attacks in the area ahead of the elections scheduled for this coming Tuesday.

Over the past 24 hours, IDF and Shin Bet forces have arrested several Palestinians suspected of assisting the terrorists, or at least knowing that they were preparing to carry out an attack.

The suspects were transferred to the Shin Bet for questioning, and further arrests are expected.

IDF Central Command chief Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth emphasized that the military acted as a protective barrier, shielding the civilian population from terrorism, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz spoke of offensive operations.

At a time when tensions in the West Bank are escalating, and the IDF has deployed an additional divisional headquarters, the 98th Division, to improve command and control capabilities in violent hotspots and areas facing an immediate terrorist threat, the question must be asked: What has the IDF actually done so far?

The IDF demolished illegal structures in the Hebron area earlier in the morning, demolitions that had already been planned and were unrelated to the terrorist attack. Troops searched 200 buildings in Hebron without finding weapons, ammunition, or terrorist infrastructure. According to the defense minister, approximately 2,000 residents were evacuated.

It is clear that these residents will return to their homes shortly and that the evacuation was intended to protect them from potential clashes while IDF forces searched the area.

A new and effective approach is needed to address terrorist hotspots in a city such as Hebron, which presents different challenges from the refugee camps in Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nablus. Such an approach is necessary not only to prevent copycat attacks and attacks inspired by this incident, but also to dismantle organized terrorist networks.

The terrorists came from a very large clan in Hebron, one of whose members was released as part of the Gilad Schalit prisoner exchange deal. The threat of further terrorist attacks continues to loom.