Israeli military forces demolished homes in Hebron following a deadly checkpoint attack, displacing hundreds of Palestinian families.
Israeli military forces recently launched a large crackdown in the city of Hebron. Soldiers demolished many homes and businesses in the area. Local officials report that this operation displaced hundreds of Palestinian families.
Also, social media footage shows the heavy damage caused by Israeli bulldozers. One entire street appears completely flattened in the videos. The military also blocked off the city and restricted movement for its 200,000 residents.
Next, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced this operation on Friday. He acted after two Palestinian gunmen killed two Israeli soldiers at a checkpoint. Three other soldiers suffered injuries during the violent attack.
After that, Netanyahu ordered the destruction of buildings near the attack site. He specifically targeted neighborhoods where the two gunmen lived. The military marked homes for demolition using spray paint.
Meanwhile, Hebron Mayor Youssef al-Jaabari stated that the operation displaced over 1,000 people. The destruction centered on the Ein Deir Baha and Farsh al-Hawa neighborhoods. It affected homes, shops, and critical industrial infrastructure.
Still, many families spent the night outdoors without their belongings. Authorities reportedly ordered some people to leave without their vehicles. Officials believe the military plans to displace up to 2,500 people in total.
However, the Israel Defense Forces did not immediately provide a comment. They stated on social media that they have many targets across the West Bank. They expect these military operations to last for several days.
Finally, experts note that Israel often demolishes homes of suspected attackers. Rights groups frequently criticize this practice as a form of collective punishment. Some local leaders believe the timing of this mission relates to upcoming elections.