Israel rips out Hebron homes after two soldiers killed at checkpoint
Two soldiers died in the attack, prompting the prime minister to announce a major military operation in the occupied territory before next week's election.
By Sarah Montgomery ·
Demolition crews moved into Hebron on Thursday to tear down Palestinian structures following an ambush that left two Israeli soldiers dead. The shooting occurred at a checkpoint outside the city, where two armed men opened fire on security forces. Three other soldiers were wounded in the exchange, and both gunmen were killed by return fire.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the scene and stated that the military would demolish the neighborhood where the attackers emerged. He described the area as one that would be completely transformed. Netanyahu said the government is prepared for extensive action in the West Bank, comparing the plan to previous operations in refugee camps where thousands of residents were displaced. He confirmed that he had reviewed plans for the largest military operation in the West Bank in decades, although he did not specify a start date.
Security forces have established cordons around Hebron, a city with approximately 200,000 residents, and the nearby town of Halhul. The military reported finding a large quantity of ammunition in the vehicle used by the gunmen. Officials believe the attackers intended to strike the nearby Route 35 but diverted their plan after encountering the checkpoint. Video footage shows the men leaving a car with a handgun and an assault rifle before engaging the soldiers.
The incident has intensified the national election campaign, with polls scheduled in four days. The Likud party canceled its Friday morning campaign events in response to the attack. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for a West Bank campaign similar to those conducted in Gaza and Lebanon. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir urged the dismantling of the Palestinian Authority. Foreign Minister Israel Katz accused opposition leaders of undermining the government by criticizing pre-election warnings, stating they would be responsible for any future attacks.
Opposition figures, including election frontrunner Gadi Eisenkot and former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, offered condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers. They praised the forces that neutralized the attackers. The attack occurs during the annual olive harvest, a period of heightened tension where extremist Jewish settlers have targeted Palestinians.
According to the United Nations, at least 96 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces or settlers in the West Bank since the beginning of the year. During the same period, four Israelis, comprising both security personnel and civilians, were killed by Palestinians. These figures do not include the two soldiers who died in the Thursday ambush.
Israeli rights groups have long criticized the demolition of homes belonging to suspects as collective punishment. The practice remains a standard procedure for the Israeli military when responding to attacks on its citizens.
