The IDF continued a major counterterrorism operation in Chevron on Shabbos, following Friday’s deadly shooting attack that claimed the lives of two Israeli soldiers and left three others wounded.

According to Palestinian officials, approximately 1,500 residents have been evacuated from their homes as Israeli forces conduct extensive searches, demolish structures, and work to dismantle terrorist infrastructure in the city.

The operation began Friday evening after two terrorists opened fire on soldiers stationed at a temporary military checkpoint near Chevron. The ensuing gun battle lasted more than 20 minutes before both terrorists were eliminated.

The fallen soldiers were identified as Staff Sgt. Ron Yonatan Roytman, 23, from Ashkelon, and Sgt. Yuval Shai Svilem, 20, from Hod Hasharon, Hy”d.

An initial IDF investigation indicated that the terrorists had intended to carry out a larger attack against Israeli civilians traveling on a nearby road. After apparently realizing they could not reach their intended target, they opened fire on the soldiers instead.

The terrorists were identified as Mohammad Jaaba and Firas Jaaba, both 27-year-old residents of Chevron and members of the same family.

Following the attack, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu ordered an extensive military response, announcing that Israel would implement the same aggressive counterterrorism tactics previously used against terrorist strongholds in northern Shomron.

IDF troops, together with Shin Bet personnel, Border Police officers, and Civil Administration forces, have been conducting searches for weapons, questioning suspects, and demolishing structures identified as potential security threats.

The military said the current operation is concentrated in the area from which the terrorists operated and is expected to continue for several days.

Palestinian officials reported that more than 200 families have already been evacuated, with dozens reportedly spending Friday night outside their homes.

Chevron Mayor Youssef al-Jaabari claimed that another 2,500 residents could be ordered to evacuate as the military operation expands into additional neighborhoods.

The IDF has not independently confirmed those figures.

According to the military, residents leaving the operational area are being directed through three designated exit points, where security personnel are conducting inspections and questioning individuals suspected of terrorist activity.

Meanwhile, the Palestinian Authority declared a state of emergency in Chevron and established a committee to assist families affected by the operation.

Palestinian officials accused Israel of imposing collective punishment and called for international intervention.

However, Israeli officials have emphasized that the operation is intended to dismantle terrorist infrastructure and prevent further attacks against Israeli civilians and security forces.

In a separate development, Netanyahu warned that Israel is preparing additional measures against the Palestinian Authority.

Speaking during an interview with i24NEWS on Friday night, Netanyahu was asked whether he supported calls to dismantle the PA following the deadly attack.

Rather than answering directly, the prime minister suggested that significant developments were being prepared.

“I will act to neutralize that threat by means I think are better left unspecified right now,” Netanyahu said.

“We transformed the Middle East. I said that we would change things and we have,” he added.

“There is a very big surprise for the Palestinian Authority as well.”

Netanyahu did not elaborate on the nature of the planned measures or indicate when they might be implemented.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has called for dismantling the Palestinian Authority, while Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has demanded a broader military offensive throughout Yehuda and Shomron.

There has been no evidence presented linking the Palestinian Authority directly to Friday’s shooting attack. Netanyahu has associated the terrorists with Hamas, which praised the attack without formally claiming responsibility.

The latest developments come just three days before Tuesday’s Knesset elections, with security concerns in Yehuda and Shomron returning to the forefront of Israel’s political agenda.

Israeli security forces remain on heightened alert as the Chevron operation continues and preparations advance for possible additional counterterrorism operations throughout Yehuda and Shomron.

(YWN’s Jerusalem desk is keeping you updated after tzeis ha’Shabbos in Israel)