Netanyahu orders demolition of 300 Palestinian homes ahead of elections:Vows to ‘destroy everything’ after 2 Israeli soldiers killed in attack

Israeli forces have launched a major military operation in Hebron in the occupied West Bank, demolishing Palestinian homes and other structures and forcing residents to leave the area, according to local officials. The operation began after a shooting attack at an Israeli military checkpoint on Friday killed two Israeli soldiers. Palestinian officials said around 1,500 people had been displaced by Saturday, while approximately 35 hectares of land had been destroyed or marked for demolition. The Israeli military said the operation was aimed at locating militants and weapons and dismantling what it described as terrorist infrastructure. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had threatened a sweeping response after the checkpoint attack, saying Israeli forces would demolish homes and conduct searches in the area. The operation comes just days before Israel’s general election. Movement restrictions imposed across Hebron Following Friday’s attack, Israeli forces launched operations in neighbourhoods around Hebron, including Al-Jaladah and Ein Deir Baha. A closure was imposed on the city and surrounding Palestinian communities, with roadblocks and security checks restricting movement. The restrictions have made it difficult for residents to leave their homes and access essential services. Local officials said families had been forced to evacuate as demolitions continued. The Israeli military said the operation would include searches for weapons and suspected militants, as well as the demolition of structures it considers a security threat. Palestinian officials and residents have criticised the demolitions, arguing that families with no connection to the attack are being made to pay the price. Netanyahu and Smotrich visit demolition site Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich visited the area following the attack. Netanyahu vowed to destroy the neighbourhood, while Smotrich said he had ordered the immediate demolition of what he described as illegal Arab structures near the site. Smotrich also called for a broad military campaign similar to Israeli operations in Gaza and Lebanon, raising concerns about the possibility of further escalation. The Israeli military said the operation was focused on the area from which the attackers had operated and was intended to locate militants and weapons. The two Palestinian gunmen suspected of carrying out Friday’s attack were shot dead, according to Israeli authorities. West Bank operation comes days before Israeli election The operation has drawn attention because it comes just days before Israel’s general election. Netanyahu’s government has emphasised security and counterterrorism, while the scale of the demolitions and displacement has prompted criticism from Palestinian officials. The head of Hebron’s municipality said around 1,200 Palestinians had already been displaced, with a further 1,300 at risk of losing their homes, according to Reuters. Palestinian officials have described the operation as collective punishment, while Israel maintains that its actions are intended to address security threats.