Israeli forces have demolished neighborhoods in Hebron, displacing 1,500 residents as election day approaches. The operation follows an attack on an Israeli checkpoint that killed two soldiers, prompting a crackdown in the West Bank.
The demolitions, focused on the Ein Deir Baha district, involved soldiers marking homes with black crosses and using bulldozers to tear down structures. Israeli officials linked the area to the attackers, though critics argue it is a form of collective punishment.
The move comes as Israel closes West Bank crossings during elections, restricting Palestinian workers and tightening security in the region. Officials claim the operation is driven by electoral pressures, with Netanyahu seeking to secure votes from right-wing and settler groups.
A Palestinian activist criticized the actions as political propaganda, noting that many displaced families are not connected to the attack. The situation highlights tensions between security measures and humanitarian concerns.