IDF Seals Hebron and Levels Streets After Checkpoint Killings

The Israeli military has displaced 2,500 residents from approximately 0.35 square kilometers of urban land in Hebron, according to local officials. The large-scale operation began on Friday, following the killing of two Israeli soldiers by Palestinian gunmen at a checkpoint. Three additional soldiers were wounded in the attack, and both assailants were killed.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the campaign after traveling to Hebron in protective armor. He stated that buildings near the attack site and the neighborhoods associated with the gunmen would be destroyed. Netanyahu said he had reviewed plans for the largest military operation in the West Bank since 1967, though he did not specify a timeline for that broader initiative.

The Israel Defense Forces sealed the city, restricting movement for its 200,000 residents. A statement on social media confirmed that the military had dozens of targets across the West Bank and that operations would continue for several days. Footage shared online showed bulldozers leveling entire streets, with at least one block completely flattened.

Hebron Mayor Youssef al-Jaabari said the strikes focused on the Ein Deir Baha and Farsh al-Hawa neighborhoods. He reported that dozens of families spent the night outdoors, some without their vehicles, while homes were marked for demolition with spray paint. The city’s governor and deputy mayor confirmed that at least 200 families had been displaced.

Netanyahu canceled his party’s campaign events for Friday morning to oversee the operation. He described the goal as evacuating residents, conducting house-to-house searches, and destroying terrorist infrastructure. The general election is scheduled for four days from now.

The Palestinian Authority called for urgent international action to prevent further forced displacement. Within the Israeli government, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich urged a campaign similar to those in Gaza and Lebanon. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir called for the dismantling of the Palestinian Authority.

Mayor al-Jaabari told journalists that the operation was driven by the upcoming vote. He stated that Netanyahu and his ministers sought to win the support of far-right voters and settlers.