Israeli forces have demolished hundreds of homes in Hebron, displacing over 1,500 residents as part of a broader crackdown in the West Bank. The operation follows a militant attack on an Israeli checkpoint that killed two soldiers, prompting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to order an immediate and severe response.
Netanyahu and finance minister Bezalel Smotrich visited the attack site, with Smotrich publicly endorsing the demolition of structures near the incident. The Hebron municipality reported 300 families evicted, with some seeking refuge in homes of friends and relatives while others were sheltered in community halls.
The demolitions are being attributed to the area alleged to be the home district of the attackers, though residents and activists claim the actions are politically motivated, aimed at boosting Netanyahu’s chances in upcoming elections. A Palestinian civil rights activist stated the displacement is a form of collective punishment, not directly linked to the attack.
Israeli authorities have not yet commented on the operations or the videos showing extensive destruction, leaving the full scope and intent of the crackdown unclear as the political landscape in Israel remains under intense scrutiny.