The warning that preceded the Hebron attack - and Netanyahu and Katz's decision against the IDF's position
The Shin Bet and Military Intelligence warned of Hamas's intention to carry out a significant attack in Judea and Samaria within days, before the shooting attack at the Yehuda Junction. A temporary checkpoint set up following the warning surprised the attackers and prevented a massacre. Netanyahu and Katz insisted on keeping forces in the area against the IDF's position.
The Shin Bet and Military Intelligence presented a general warning to the Central Command about the possibility that Hamas would orchestrate a significant attack within days in the Judea and Samaria Division area, prior to the shooting attack at the Yehuda Junction last weekend. The intelligence officer of the Central Command held a series of conversations and meetings with brigade commanders to update them on the warning and raise alert levels. Accordingly, it was decided in the Judea Regional Brigade to set up a temporary checkpoint on the outskirts of Hebron. Officers in the Central Command claim that the attackers were surprised by the location and therefore encountered the force of soldiers and did not advance to their original target; according to their assessment and the amount of ammunition, they were preparing to carry out a massacre at a crowded location. After forces took over buildings in the neighborhood from which the attackers emerged and evacuated hundreds of families, the Central Command assessed that it was appropriate to withdraw from it, but Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz insisted on keeping forces in the area. A security source said the evacuation was intended to protect the population and that the takeover created great pressure in Hebron. Meanwhile, the commander of the Judea and Samaria Division launched preventive operations in Samaria.