Hebron Demolition: IDF Levels Blocks Days Before Israeli Vote

The Israeli military launched a large-scale demolition operation in the West Bank city of Hebron, leveling commercial and residential structures in two specific neighborhoods. Local officials reported that the action displaced at least 200 families and severely restricted movement for the city's 200,000 residents. The operation began after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a campaign to destroy infrastructure linked to recent attacks.

Two Israeli soldiers were killed and three were wounded in a checkpoint attack on Friday. Both gunmen were killed in the engagement. Following the incident, Netanyahu declared that buildings near the site and the neighborhoods where the attackers originated would be destroyed. He canceled his party's campaign events for Friday morning and traveled to Hebron wearing protective armor to oversee the initial phases of the operation.

Mayor Youssef al-Jaabari stated that the military focused on the Ein Deir Baha and Farsh al-Hawa districts. He described the destruction of homes, businesses, and industrial sites, noting that houses were marked for demolition with spray paint. Al-Jaabari estimated that the military intends to displace 2,500 people from approximately 0.35 square kilometers of urban land. The city’s governor and deputy mayor confirmed that at least 200 families were displaced immediately.

The Israel Defense Forces said it has dozens of targets across the West Bank and that operations would continue for several days. Netanyahu described the current action as a precursor to the largest military operation in the territory since 1967, though he did not provide a specific timeline. He also warned of a major surprise for the Palestinian Authority, which governs parts of the West Bank.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich urged for a campaign in the West Bank similar to those conducted in Gaza or Lebanon. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir called for the dismantling of the Palestinian Authority. The Palestinian Authority requested urgent international action beyond condemnation to prevent further forced displacement.

Al-Jaabari told journalists that the timing of the operation was driven by the election, which is four days away. He argued that Netanyahu and his ministers aimed to secure votes from the far right and settlers. The mayor noted that dozens of families spent the night outdoors, with some leaving without their vehicles. Footage from the scene showed entire streets leveled by bulldozers.

Netanyahu said the army would evacuate residents, search houses for weapons, and destroy terrorist infrastructure. He emphasized the security promise that underpins his campaign. The IDF did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the specific number of structures destroyed or the duration of the seal on the city.