Israeli forces have demolished 2,500 homes in Hebron, displacing over 1,500 families in a crackdown following a deadly attack on an Israeli checkpoint. The operation, which has sealed off the city with checkpoints, is being conducted amid Israel's upcoming elections.
The attack on Friday killed two Israeli soldiers and two gunmen, prompting a military response that includes the demolition of homes suspected of links to Hamas. Finance minister Bezalel Smotrich has ordered the immediate demolition of structures near the attack site, citing the need for a 'comprehensive military campaign' similar to operations in Gaza and Lebanon.
The operation has raised concerns about collective punishment, with Palestinian activists accusing Israel of using the crisis for political gain. The closure of West Bank land crossings on election day further restricts movement, highlighting the intersection of military action and electoral strategy.
Palestinian officials and activists have condemned the demolitions, calling them a 'political material' tactic. The Israeli military has not provided a full count of displaced families, with some sources estimating 2,200 affected, while others report 300.