Hebron District Flattened Ahead of Elections

Tensions in the West Bank have escalated significantly as Israeli military operations reach a critical phase before national elections. In Hebron, a major West Bank city with a population of roughly 250,000, authorities report that an entire neighborhood has been leveled, forcing hundreds of families to leave their homes.

The Hebron municipality estimates that 35 hectares, equivalent to 86 acres, within the Ein Deir Baha district have been either destroyed or marked for demolition. By the afternoon of Saturday, approximately 1,500 people had been displaced from the area. The city itself was sealed off with checkpoints established at every point of entry, restricting movement for those remaining.

Local officials and residents describe the military response as a form of collective punishment following a militant attack on an army checkpoint outside the city. Two gunmen launched the assault on Friday, resulting in the deaths of two Israeli soldiers and the wounding of three others. Both attackers were killed in a twenty-minute gunfight. The Ein Deir Baha district, where the current demolitions are taking place, is alleged to be the home district of the two gunmen.

Political leaders have visited the site to signal a strong reaction. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel would act to destroy the area, while Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who is running in a smaller coalition party, ordered the immediate demolition of structures adjacent to the attack site. Smotrich was filmed in body armor during the operations and called for a comprehensive military campaign similar to those conducted in Gaza and Lebanon. The Israeli elections are scheduled to take place in four days.

The human cost of the operation is significant, with a municipality spokesperson confirming that around 300 families have been evicted. While some residents have found shelter with relatives, the municipality has opened community halls and play areas to house others. The Palestinian news agency Wafa reported that further displacement is planned, potentially affecting an additional 2,500 people. Issa Amro, a civil rights activist in Hebron, condemned the operation, noting that his sister's family was among those driven out. He questioned whether the action is driven by election propaganda or represents a long-term strategic decision.

Visual evidence shared by residents shows extensive destruction, including houses reduced to rubble and buildings draped in national flags. Some structures were marked with black crosses, and one large residential building belonging to a prominent family was taken over as a temporary military headquarters. The Israeli army has been approached for comment regarding the scope of the demolitions and the videos circulating locally.

This development underscores the volatile nature of the region as political parties seek to influence voters with decisive military actions. The sealing of Hebron and the displacement of thousands of families highlight the ongoing friction between military objectives and civilian life in the West Bank, setting the stage for a turbulent week as the nation prepares to head to the polls.