In brief
Two Israeli soldiers were shot dead in Hebron, sparking a rapid military response that sees the Israeli army demolishing surrounding homes. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to "destroy" the neighborhood where the attackers came from, signalling a broader campaign in the West Bank. Eyewitness accounts from the checkpoint detail a fierce gun battle, while footage shows the army and joint strike teams preparing for a larger operation. The incident has intensified calls for collective punishment, with critics labeling the demolitions a violation of international law. Across the region, the violence adds fuel to the already heated 2026 election race.
A heartrending scene unfolded in Hebron today as Israeli forces began demolishing Palestinian homes in a bid to punish the community linked to the attack that killed two soldiers. The Israeli army, following orders from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has set up a cordon around the city and the nearby Halhul, hinting at a larger operation in the works.
Witness reports from the checkpoint describe a brutal gunfight that erupted when two armed men burst into the checkpoint armed with firearms. Video, verified by the BBC, shows the soldiers returning fire before the attackers were silenced, leaving behind a pile of ammunition and a trail of destruction.
Netanyahu’s ultimatum was stark: the army would "destroy this place and completely transform it," echoing past operations in refugee camps where residential buildings were razed to displacement thousands. The right‑wing finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, dismissed the protests, calling for an "exactly like in Gaza or Lebanon" campaign.
International reaction has been swift. Human rights groups accuse the demolitions of collective punishment, with critics warning that such tactics violate international law. Meanwhile, UN officials report that at least 96 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces or settlers since the start of the year.
Election fallout is already evident. Netanyahu’s Likud party has cancelled Friday’s campaign events, and the general election, set for four days from now, is shifting as a flashpoint for security concerns. Opponents have offered condolences to the families of the slain soldiers, but the political wedge widens.
For real‑time updates, follow our live stream and read eyewitness accounts on our interactive map of the affected neighborhoods.
