Hebron homes torn down after checkpoint shooting

Israeli military crews started removing buildings in Hebron on Friday. This action followed a shooting at a checkpoint outside the city where two soldiers died. Officials stated that three other soldiers were injured in the same incident. Both Palestinian gunmen were killed in the exchange of fire. Footage reviewed by the BBC showed the attackers leaving a vehicle with a handgun and an assault rifle. They opened fire on the checkpoint before being targeted by return fire.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the area to address the events. He stated that the military would demolish the neighborhood where the attackers originated. He described the goal as completely transforming the location. Netanyahu indicated that Israel was prepared for extensive action in the West Bank. He compared these plans to previous operations in refugee camps where homes were removed and residents displaced. The Prime Minister also revealed that he had reviewed plans for a major military operation in the territory. He did not provide a specific date for that operation.

The military placed cordons around Hebron and the nearby city of Halhul. Hebron has a population of roughly 200,000 people. The military reported finding a large amount of ammunition in the attackers' car. Officials believe the gunmen intended to target Route 35 but engaged at the checkpoint instead. The demolition of homes linked to attacks is a frequent practice by Israeli forces. Local rights groups have described this approach as a form of collective punishment.

The attack has influenced the political campaign leading up to the election scheduled in four days. Netanyahu has centered his platform on security promises. His Likud party canceled campaign events planned for Friday morning. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for a West Bank campaign similar to those in Gaza or 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 earlier warnings about potential attacks. He claimed they would be responsible for any future incidents.

Opposition leaders responded to the deaths of the soldiers. Gadi Eisenkot, who is currently leading in polls, and former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett offered condolences to the families. They also praised the soldiers who neutralized the attackers. This violence occurred during a period of heightened tension in the West Bank. Extremist settlers have been targeting Palestinians during the annual olive harvest. The United Nations reports that at least 96 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces or settlers since the beginning of the year. Four Israelis have been killed by Palestinians in the same period, a count that excludes the two soldiers killed at the checkpoint.

The next major step involves the execution of the demolition orders in the specified Hebron neighborhood. Military forces will maintain the cordons around Hebron and Halhul until further notice. The election is scheduled to take place in four days. The military continues to search for any remaining evidence from the checkpoint site. The government has not announced when the larger operation in the West Bank will begin.