After nine days in Hebron: Katz approves end of Operation "Sha'at Yehuda"

Defense Minister Israel Katz approved today (Sunday) for the IDF to conclude Operation "Sha'at Yehuda" in Hebron after approximately nine days, subject to two conditions: developing urban evacuation capability and warning the Palestinian Authority against expanding evacuations in the event of another attack.

Defense Minister Israel Katz approved today (Sunday) for the IDF to conclude Operation "Sha'at Yehuda" in Hebron after approximately nine days of activity. The decision was made at the end of a security discussion that began at 19:00, without the participation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The approval was granted subject to two conditions set by Katz: developing urban evacuation capability for future operations, and conveying a clear message to the Palestinian Authority and other Palestinian entities that in the event of another attack, the use of the tool will be significantly expanded and evacuations will also be carried out in additional locations. The decision comes after the IDF requested again last Friday to end the operation, following the demolition of the terrorists' homes in the city. At that stage, the political echelon refused the military's request and demanded to continue the activity. The dispute over the continuation of the operation began last week, when Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir requested to end the activity, claiming that the immediate objectives had been achieved and that continued presence in the city could create friction. Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz rejected his position at the time and demanded to continue operating against Hamas infrastructure in Hebron.