IDF Wraps Up Hebron Security Operation, Launches Tactical Drill in Kiryat Shmona

The Israel Defense Forces wrapped up a multi-day counterterrorism operation in Hebron on Thursday night, as the military simultaneously ramps up readiness in northern Israel with drills in Kiryat Shmona and the Golan Heights signaling intensified focus on the growing threat from Lebanon.

In the Jabal Johar neighborhood of Hebron, IDF units joined by Shin Bet, Border Police, and Israel Police searched over 350 structures, arresting 14 individuals suspected of terrorism-related activity. The joint force also seized eight firearms, dozens of knives, and other weapons intended for use against Israeli targets.

The operation is part of a broader campaign to dismantle terrorist infrastructure in Judea and Samaria and maintain control in high-risk areas. The IDF emphasized that it will continue operating where necessary to restore law and order and prevent attacks on Israeli civilians.

Meanwhile, an IDF vehicle was targeted by Palestinians in Jericho on Thursday evening. According to Army Radio, the vehicle became stuck during a routine activity, and attackers threw rocks and climbed onto the immobilized vehicle. The IDF responded by firing warning shots into the air before dispersing the crowd and detaining several individuals. No injuries or damage were reported, and the suspects were not pursued further.

At the same time, the IDF announced a tactical drill in Kiryat Shmona on Friday morning, to be held both inside the nearby Gibor base and within the city itself. Residents were advised to expect a heavy military presence and pyrotechnics during the training. The exercise is a visible component of Israel’s readiness measures along the northern border, amid persistent tensions with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.

In a parallel development, the IDF’s 401st Armored Brigade concluded a significant training exercise in the Golan Heights the first outside the Gaza region since the war began in October 2023. The week-long drill marks a strategic pivot toward the north, where Israel faces a different battlefield reality of open terrain, mountainous geography, and enemies capable of striking from long distances.

“Until now, we have been fighting in built-up areas, while seeing the threat right in front of our eyes,” explained Major (res.) M. from the 9th Battalion. “The northern route is characterized by open spaces, mountains, and valleys under whose cover the enemy may hide and attack from afar.”

The shift in operational posture reflects concerns over Hezbollah's increasing aggression and Iranian-backed efforts to destabilize the northern front. As threats evolve, so too does Israel’s readiness from the dense alleys of Hebron to the exposed ridgelines of the Golan.

Israel remains vigilant on every front, ensuring that its forces are prepared to defend the nation’s citizens wherever danger may arise.

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