Hebron Eviction: 1,500 Residents Displaced After Troops Raze District

Israeli forces cleared the Ein Deir Baha district in Hebron, forcing approximately 1,500 people from their homes as of Saturday afternoon. Local authorities stated that 35 hectares, or 86 acres, of the area were either destroyed or marked for demolition. The city, which holds a population of 250,000, was sealed off with checkpoints at every entry point.

The military operation began after a Friday attack on an army checkpoint outside the city. Two gunmen opened fire, resulting in a 20 minute engagement. Two soldiers were killed and three were wounded during the fight. Both attackers were also killed. Officials identified Ein Deir Baha as the home district of the gunmen.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich visited the checkpoint site and pledged a strong response. Netanyahu stated that Israel would act to destroy the location. Smotrich, who is running for office with a smaller coalition party, ordered the demolition of structures adjacent to the attack site. He called for a military campaign similar to those conducted in Gaza and Lebanon. Smotrich was filmed in body armor standing in front of a Palestinian building as it was leveled.

Resident videos showed extensive damage in the district. Clips depicted soldiers marking houses with black crosses, bulldozers removing stone walls, and an Israeli flag draped over a large residential building. Residents said that building belonged to a prominent family and was used as a temporary military headquarters. The Hebron municipality estimated that 300 families have been evicted so far. Some residents have moved in with relatives, while others are staying in community halls and children's play areas opened by the city. The Palestinian news agency Wafa reported that Israel plans to displace an additional 2,500 people.

Issa Amro, a civil rights activist in Hebron, described the operation as collective punishment. He said his sister's family was among those displaced. Amro noted that hundreds of families had no connection to the checkpoint attack. He questioned whether the destruction was solely for election propaganda or part of a longer term plan. The Israeli army was contacted for comment on the operation and the resident footage.

Israeli elections are set to take place in four days. The timing of the demolition and the political statements from senior leaders have drawn attention to the connection between the military action and the upcoming vote. Municipal officials continue to track the number of displaced residents as the operation remains ongoing.