IDF may reduce Hebron troop presence after election

The Israel Defense Forces may lower its operational footprint in Hebron by the weekend.

Military leaders are preparing to allow displaced Palestinians to return to their homes, a move that follows the recent general election. This development is not yet finalized, but the likelihood of a withdrawal has increased. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously opposed the idea before the vote. He has now shifted his stance, likely feeling more secure in his political position after winning the election.

The current occupation began last Friday in response to a deadly attack carried out by Hamas operatives. The military stated that the terrorists belonged to a clan living in the specific neighborhood where the operation took place. The IDF evacuated at least 2,000 residents from that area. By the following Monday, the Chief of Staff, Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir, advised that the troops should leave. He reported that the area had been inspected and no clear military threat remained.

This situation differs from previous mass evacuations in the West Bank. In early 2025, Israel cleared areas in Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nur al-Shams. Those regions had a history of major terror incidents dating back to 2022. The military had engaged in prior operations and sent the Palestinian Authority to fight organized groups before removing roughly 40,000 people. In Hebron, the IDF provided limited details linking the 2,000 evacuees to specific crimes. The area had not been a primary source of violence during the past three years of war, despite some incidents.

Critics argue the operation was driven by political statements rather than strict military necessity. Defense Minister Israel Katz and Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke of clearing the neighborhood where the two attackers lived. This approach resembles a collective punishment measure. The military also destroyed structures it deemed illegally built. It claimed these buildings hindered security operations, though it offered few specifics on why entire buildings needed demolition.

Legal challenges are mounting in response to the military actions. The organization Adalah filed a petition with the High Court of Justice on Thursday. The filing represents the Hebron municipality and seven residents. It seeks to halt forced evacuations and demolitions. The petitioners want an immediate order barring further displacement. They also request safe passage for medical teams and municipal workers.

The petition states that troops ordered families in the Ein Deir Baha and al-Jalda neighborhoods to leave around 1:00 a.m. on October 24. Announcements were made over loudspeakers, giving residents little time to pack. Some families spent the night outdoors. Municipal figures cited in the legal filing indicate that 780 families are affected. The total number of displaced people could be as high as 4,969. The petition alleges that soldiers turned some homes into military positions.

The legal team argues that the open-ended nature of the evacuations violates the Fourth Geneva Convention. They cite Article 49, which requires the return of civilians once hostilities end. The petition claims that the military has not provided a specific justification for the scale of the displacement. It also argues that destroying civilian property is only permitted when absolutely necessary for military operations. The filing contends that a general reference to security needs does not justify widespread demolitions.

The Association for Civil Rights in Israel demanded on Sunday that displaced residents be allowed to return. It also asked for movement restrictions to be lifted. Noa Sattath, the executive director of the association, noted that ministers described the demolitions as a form of deterrence. She stated that a grave attack does not give the military the right to punish an entire city. The High Court has directed the state to respond to the petition and to refrain from changing the current situation or demolishing additional buildings while the case is considered.