Israeli forces have displaced over 1,500 families from Hebron after a deadly attack on an Israeli military checkpoint. The operation, which followed a violent clash with two gunmen, has left a large area of the city in ruins with hundreds of homes destroyed or marked for demolition. The move comes as Israeli politicians vow a heavy response to the attack, with some calling for a broader military campaign.
The attack on Friday resulted in two Israeli soldiers killed and three injured, with the suspects also killed. Israeli forces have since conducted large-scale demolitions in the area, with soldiers marking homes with black crosses and using bulldozers to tear down structures. The operation is being carried out in the wake of Israeli elections, with Prime Minister Netanyahu and Finance Minister Smotrich both visiting the site to promise a strong response.
The displacement of families has raised concerns among Palestinians, with activists accusing Israel of using the situation for political gain ahead of the elections. The Israeli military has stated that the affected area is associated with Hamas, but critics argue that the operation is more about political messaging than a legitimate security concern. The situation highlights the ongoing tensions in the region and the impact of political decisions on civilian populations.