Israeli forces have razed a neighborhood in Hebron, displacing hundreds of Palestinian families in the wake of a militant attack on an army checkpoint near the West Bank city, according to local Palestinian officials. The demolitions occurred over the weekend in the district of Ein Deir Baha, where the Hebron municipality estimated that approximately 35 hectares (86 acres) had been destroyed or designated for destruction by Saturday afternoon.
The evacuations affected roughly 1,500 residents, as the entire city of 250,000 was sealed off with checkpoints restricting access at all entry points. Videos circulated by a Hebron resident depicted extensive damage across several city blocks, with entire areas of residential buildings demolished. Footage also showed Israeli soldiers marking Palestinian homes with black crosses, bulldozers dismantling stone walls on nearby hillsides, and a large residential building draped with Israeli flags. Palestinians reported this building belonged to a prominent Hebron family and had been repurposed as a temporary military headquarters by Israeli forces.
The demolitions followed a deadly incident on Friday when two gunmen launched an assault on an Israeli military checkpoint outside Hebron. The ensuing 20-minute firefight resulted in the deaths of two Israeli soldiers and the two militants, with three additional soldiers wounded.
The timing of the incident gained increased significance as Israel approaches elections scheduled in four days. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich—known for his hardline stance and a candidate in a smaller coalition—visited the site of the attack, promising a swift and severe response. Netanyahu stated that Israel would “act to destroy this place,” signaling a firm policy of reprisal against the neighborhood.
The extensive demolition and displacement of residents have raised concerns among Palestinians and human rights organizations, who characterize the actions as collective punishment. Israeli authorities have maintained that such measures are part of their security strategy to deter further attacks. The developments mark a significant escalation in the volatile West Bank region amidst rising tensions ahead of the upcoming election.