Israeli military forces withdrew on Monday from an area in the largest city of the West Bank, Hebron. These forces had previously evacuated Palestinian residents from this area and, following an attack that resulted in the deaths of two soldiers in October, proceeded to demolish homes.
Evacuation and Destruction in Hebron
The military operation in an area of the city of Hebron where two attackers lived led to the evacuation of one neighborhood. This action is typically taken as a punishment for military attacks. Journalists witnessed residents returning to their homes, which were in disarray due to military searches.
An Israeli military official stated: "This morning, after all operational activities were completed, soldiers exited the operational area in Hebron. Anti-terrorism activities continue across Judea and Samaria." This official used historical names for the Palestinian territories.
Incidents and Consequences
On October 23, two Palestinian attackers assaulted a military checkpoint near Hebron, resulting in the deaths of two soldiers. This attack led to the immediate demolition of buildings around the checkpoint and retaliatory operational promises from senior officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. According to municipal information, over 3,000 people became homeless due to this operation.
The military official also stated that "soldiers conducted thorough searches at several locations, arrested and interrogated suspects, and seized four weapons and several vests and other military equipment." They also demolished two homes of the attackers and "blocked an underground space adjacent to" one of them.
On Monday, a reporter observed that many buildings were marked with black X signs to indicate they had been searched and cleared. Mohammed Jabba, a relative of one of the attackers, said that the upper floor of his family's house had been destroyed and they planned to return to the lower floors.
Debris and rubble from the demolition explosion were scattered around the house, and other relatives were also cleaning areas that were still habitable. Mahmud Al-Tamimi, whose house had been occupied by soldiers since the operation began, faced a disheveled apartment with furniture and clothes scattered on the floor.
