The Israeli military has launched a large-scale operation in Hebron, displacing more than 2,500 Palestinians from their homes. The operation follows a deadly attack on Friday in which two Israeli soldiers were killed by Palestinian gunmen.
Israeli forces sealed off two neighborhoods, Al-Jaladah and Ein Deir Baha, and ordered residents to leave. Local officials reported that approximately 1,500 people were forced to leave their homes on Saturday, with an additional 1,000 facing displacement. The operation continued into the following day, with bulldozers demolishing residential buildings in the area.
The crackdown comes just days before Israel's national elections. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the operation in response to the attack, which occurred at a military checkpoint. Palestinian families have been left without shelter, with many unprepared for the sudden displacement.
This is not the first time Israeli forces have targeted Hebron. The area has seen repeated military operations in recent years, often in response to attacks against Israeli security personnel. The current operation marks one of the largest in recent months, with reports of widespread closures and strict movement restrictions.
The situation in Hebron has long been tense, with frequent clashes between Israeli security forces and Palestinian residents. The current operation has raised concerns about the impact on civilian life and the potential for further escalation in the region.
