Israel Demolishes 86 Acres in Hebron, Displacing 1,500 Residents

Israeli military forces flattened a residential district in the West Bank city of Hebron, forcing approximately 1,500 people from their homes. Local Palestinian authorities described the operation as collective punishment following a militant attack on an army checkpoint outside the city.

The Hebron municipality estimated that 35 hectares, or 86 acres, in the Ein Deir Baha district were destroyed or marked for demolition. By Saturday afternoon, the city had sealed itself off with checkpoints at every entry point. A municipal spokesperson confirmed that about 300 families had been evicted, while the Palestinian news agency Wafa reported that Israeli plans include displacing a further 2,500 people.

The destruction began after two gunmen attacked an Israeli military checkpoint on Friday. A 20-minute gunfight resulted in the deaths of two Israeli soldiers and both gunmen, with three soldiers wounded. Officials alleged that Ein Deir Baha was the home district of the attackers.

Videos from residents show extensive damage, with houses reduced to rubble and soldiers spraying black crosses on buildings. One clip captures a bulldozer pulling down a stone wall, while another shows a large residential building draped in Israeli flags. Residents stated that this building, belonging to a prominent local family, was taken over as a temporary military headquarters.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich visited the attack site and promised a fierce response. Netanyahu stated that Israel would act to destroy the location. Smotrich, who is running for election with a smaller coalition party, appeared in body armor in front of a demolition and ordered the immediate destruction of structures he labeled illegal. He also called for a comprehensive military campaign similar to those conducted in Gaza and Lebanon.

Issa Amro, a civil rights activist in Hebron, said his sister’s family was among those driven from their homes. He argued that the suffering of residents was being turned into political material for the upcoming elections. Amro noted that many displaced families had no connection to Friday's attack and were unsure if the operation was election propaganda or a long-term plan.

Israeli elections are scheduled for four days. The Israeli army was contacted for comment regarding the operations and the videos of the widespread destruction.