In brief
Israeli troops withdrew Monday after an operation launched Oct. 23 following a shooting that killed two soldiers. Sources differ on the length—some say 10 days, others 11. The offensive involved house demolitions, arrests, and displacement of more than 3,300 residents. Residents are now returning to their homes, with local officials noting plans to rebuild and regain control.
On Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, Israeli troops withdrew from the West Bank city of Hebron after a week‑long operation that began after a shooting that killed two soldiers.
According to Xinhua, the exit came after Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered it Sunday night, even though the army had asked to end the mission before the last parliamentary election.
The operation, launched on Oct. 23, was described by one Xinhua report as a 10‑day raid. It involved the evacuation of families, demolition of homes, seizure of weapons and detainment of dozens of suspects. A military spokesperson said the forces seized four weapons, demolished the homes of the two attackers and detained dozens of suspects.
Another Xinhua story calls it an 11‑day offensive. It reports that the army demolished 15 homes, damaged infrastructure and displaced or affected more than 3,300 residents. After the withdrawal, residents began returning to their neighborhoods, some carrying vehicles with families and their belongings into the streets.
Rashid al‑Ja'bari told Xinhua that the destroyed homes would be “rebuilt from scratch” and added, “This is our land, and we will not leave it, no matter what destruction and devastation the Israeli occupation inflicts.”
Hebron Governor Khaled Dudin confirmed the withdrawal of Israeli forces and said Palestinian security forces had taken control of the city’s neighborhoods, villages and towns while authorities worked to ensure residents’ safe return.
