IDF Exits Hebron Neighborhood After Terror Probe

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Monday that it is withdrawing from the Hebron neighborhood, which it had occupied since last weekend. The decision followed a review of security concerns and a legal petition filed by the Adalah organization.

The petition, submitted to the High Court of Justice, alleges that the IDF conducted forced evacuations and demolished civilian infrastructure during an operation. It seeks an immediate order to stop further evacuations and demolitions, as well as the return of displaced residents.

Residents of the Ein Deir Baha and al-Jalda neighborhoods were ordered to leave their homes around 12:30-1 a.m. on October 23-24. The orders were announced over loudspeakers, leaving families insufficient time to prepare, according to the petition. Some families spent the night outside, and others were unable to take their vehicles with them.

The petition claims that troops took over some homes and used them as military positions, while demolishing civilian buildings and requiring traders to remove goods from their businesses at short notice. Restrictions also hindered access to medical treatment and the movement of ambulances and emergency vehicles.

Municipal figures cited in the petition indicate that 780 families were affected by the operation, which could reach up to 4,969 people. Blocked access routes have prevented rubbish collection, leaving approximately 1,200 tons of waste accumulating across the city by Wednesday.

Adalah argues that the scale and open-ended nature of the evacuations violate international humanitarian law. It contends that no specific justification has been provided for the evacuations and that indefinite displacement risks making the situation lasting. The petition also alleges collective punishment, citing statements by Israeli officials.