Updated

Israeli military officials assess that Hamas is rebuilding its weapons production and holds hundreds of rockets, according to Haaretz, which reported on 2 November 2026. The officials believe the Hebron operation, backed by Defense Minister Katz, is no longer effective and creates unnecessary friction, and they said Hamas is aided by smuggling from Israel. The Hebron governor, Khaled Dudin, told Al Jazeera that Israeli forces have withdrawn from the West Bank city after a nearly two-week operation. He said Palestinian security forces are now in complete control of the area and that families forced to leave their homes can return, a account Middle East Eye also carried.