IDF boosts Hebron presence, hunts for soldier's killer

IDF lifts curfew in city, narrows search to one neighborhood.

By YAAKOV LAPPIN
IDF troops Hebron 22.9.13 370 (photo credit: REUTERS)
IDF troops Hebron 22.9.13 370
(photo credit: REUTERS)
The Israel Defense Forces bolstered its troops in the West Bank city of Hebron on Monday, hours after an IDF soldier was shot dead by a Palestinian sniper near the city's Jewish Quarter.
Israel has lifted the curfew in Hebron instituted following the shooting of Staff-Sgt. Gabriel Kobi, and has zeroed in on the Jabal Johar neighborhood of the city in its efforts to track down his killer, Army Radio reported. IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz said Monday that the killing of Kobi and the murder of Sgt. Tomer Hazan the day before were isolated incidents, and did not constitute an escalation in violence between Israel and Palestinians.
The IDF arrested two terrorism suspects as part of its increase in security sweeps. The two who were taken into custody overnight, are not believed to be directly related to Kobi's death.
A senior security source said the arrests are part of a firmer army policy in Hebron as a result of Sunday's deadly attack.
The two suspects were found to be in possession of hunting rifles, and are being questioned by security forces.
"There were numerous searches and patrols overnight," the source said. "Currently, we are back to a more routine pattern, and are securing the Jewish community as it marks the [Sukkot] holidays."