Despite IDF stance and international pressure: Netanyahu and Katz oppose withdrawal from Hebron

Despite the IDF's position and international pressure, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz oppose the withdrawal of forces from the Palestinian neighborhoods in Hebron. The withdrawal has been postponed until after the Shabbat Chayei Sarah, during which approximately 20,000 Israelis are expected to participate. Forces will be reinforced, and a decision has yet to be made on whether to allow Palestinian families to return to their homes.

Despite the IDF's position and international pressure, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz oppose the withdrawal of forces from the Palestinian neighborhoods in Hebron. An officer from the 98th Division stated that the withdrawal has been postponed until after Shabbat Chayei Sarah, which will be observed next Saturday in the Jewish settlement in the city. According to Central Command estimates, about 20,000 Israelis are expected to arrive in Hebron to participate in prayers and events. Forces will be reinforced. Meanwhile, a decision has yet to be made on whether to approve the return of Palestinian families to their homes in the neighborhood where the terrorists' houses were demolished. The military operation began following the deadly shooting attack at the Yehuda Junction, in which two IDF soldiers were killed. The IDF evacuated residents from the neighborhoods of al-Jalda and Ein Dir-Bakha in the western part of the city, after the terrorists emerged from the Ein Dir-Bakha neighborhood.