Hebron siege ends after 10-day Israeli operation
3,300+Palestinians displaced in 10-day Hebron siege
Hebron operation -- confirmed damage as of Nov 2 2026
| Category | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Palestinians displaced or affected | 3,300+ | Hebron Governorate |
| Homes and structures demolished | 15 | Hebron Governorate |
| Businesses forcibly closed | 327 | Hebron Municipality |
| Area demolished or marked for demolition | ~35 hectares | Hebron Municipality |
| Projected economic losses | over $20 million | Al Jazeera analysis |
| Buildings searched by IDF | 500+ | Israeli Broadcasting Corp |
| Weapons found | 2 | Israeli Broadcasting Corp |
What is known and what is not yet known
Israeli forces have withdrawn from Hebron after the 10-day operation, and Governor Dudin confirmed Palestinian security forces are in full control. Families displaced from Ein Deir Baha and Farsh al-Hawa have been cleared to return. The IDF has not issued a formal statement on the withdrawal. No Israeli official has publicly confirmed the end of the operation; the announcement came from the Palestinian governor and is consistent with prior Israeli Broadcasting Corporation reporting that the operation would end "within days."
What triggered it: A shooting by two Palestinians at a checkpoint on Oct 23 killed two Israeli soldiers; Israeli forces killed both attackers during the operation.
Dispute over scope: A disagreement emerged between IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir, who recommended withdrawal, and Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz, who initially opposed it.
International reaction: The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights described the ope
What happens next
Displaced residents return to Ein Deir Baha and Farsh al-Hawa -- Palestinian security forces monitoring
Assessment of full damage to infrastructure, housing, and commercial property
Hebron Municipality to publish final economic loss estimate
UN and human rights bodies expected to release formal reports on the operation
Israeli government decision on whether occupied homes converted to military posts will be vacated
Sources: Al Jazeera (Nov 2 2026, in-window, primary on withdrawal and damage figures); Yahoo News / AFP wire (Nov 2 2026, confirms withdrawal); Al-Quds (Nov 2 2026, governor statement); Jerusalem Post (IDF officer assessment, Nov 1-2 2026); CNN (Oct 23 and Oct 26 2026, siege start and displacement documentation). Cover: Old City of Hebron, Madosophy Ahmad, CC BY-SA 4.0.
