Israeli forces have begun demolitions in Hebron, displacing over 2,000 residents as part of a security operation following a shooting that killed two Israeli soldiers. The operation targets neighborhoods linked to the attackers, with mass demolitions and forced displacement announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Netanyahu declared a siege on Hebron and neighboring Halhul, vowing to remove residents from areas associated with the gunmen. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich posted a video of himself at a demolition site, claiming the actions aimed to 'create deterrence and exact a price.' The high court temporarily halted the demolitions, citing concerns over collective punishment and international law.
The operation follows a pattern of targeted demolitions in Palestinian areas, with Netanyahu drawing parallels to past actions in Gaza and Jenin. Officials reported over 200 families displaced, with hundreds more at risk as the military expands its crackdown in the West Bank. The move comes amid Israel's upcoming elections and heightened security tensions.