Armored Vehicles Return: Israel Hebron Military Operation 2026 Intensifies
Israeli forces have launched a large-scale military operation in Hebron as of January 19, 2026. The raid involves hundreds of troops and heavy armored vehicles.
The rumble of tracked armored vehicles hasn't been heard in Hebron's narrow streets since the Second Intifada, but that changed today. Israel's military launched a massive, "large-scale" offensive in the southern occupied West Bank city on January 19, 2026. According to Reuters and Al Jazeera, hundreds of soldiers and heavy machinery have completely paralyzed the city's southern districts.
Objectives of the Israel Hebron Military Operation 2026
In a joint statement, the Israeli army and the internal security service, Shin Bet, confirmed the raid aims to "thwart terror infrastructure" and seize weapons in the Jebel Johar area. The military's warned that the operation will likely last for "several days," signaling a sustained presence in the volatile region.
Reporting from the ground, journalists described a state of total curfew. The use of bulldozers and tracked vehicles is particularly significant; these tactics mirror those used during Operation Defensive Shield decades ago. The Palestinian news agency Wafa reported at least 7 arrests as forces moved through the Tariq bin Ziyad roundabout.
Strategic Division and Religious Tensions
Beyond the immediate military goals, there's growing concern over the installation of new physical barriers. Soldiers have been seen erecting iron gates and cement blocks, which observers suggest is a prelude to further dividing the city. This raid is taking place less than 0.5 km from the Ibrahimi Mosque, a flashpoint site for religious and political conflict.
Since the conflict intensified in late 2023, the situation in the West Bank has reached a breaking point. Official sources report that over 1,080 Palestinians have been killed and approximately 20,500 arrested across the territory, highlighting the escalating violence.
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