Israel has imposed mass demolitions in Hebron after two Israeli soldiers were killed in an attack by Palestinian gunmen. The move follows a 20-minute gunfight at a checkpoint outside the city, where two attackers were shot dead. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to destroy the neighborhoods linked to the attackers, citing a need for 'deterrence and exacting a price'.
Netanyahu announced a siege on Hebron and neighboring Halhul, with demolitions beginning within hours of the attack. Far-right ministers, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, have endorsed the campaign, drawing comparisons to operations in Gaza and Lebanon. The Israeli military has begun demolishing Palestinian homes, a practice criticized by rights groups as collective punishment.
The high court has issued a temporary order to halt the demolitions, citing concerns over international law and Israeli administrative law. Lawyers argue the actions violate principles against collective punishment, while Netanyahu and defense minister Israel Katz have defended the measures, drawing explicit comparisons to past operations in the West Bank.
The incident has sparked controversy, with the Foreign Press Association condemning claims that a photographer was linked to the attackers. The photographer, who documented the gunfight, has been cleared of any connection, with the FPA emphasizing his professional integrity and the importance of reporting on such events.