Israel Begins Demolitions in Hebron After Attack Kills Two Soldiers

The Israeli military has begun demolishing Palestinian buildings in Hebron after two Palestinian gunmen killed two Israeli soldiers and wounded three others at a checkpoint near the city, according to Israeli authorities.

The incident has intensified tensions across the occupied West Bank, with Netanyahu vowing to destroy the neighbourhood from which the attackers allegedly originated and warning that Israel was prepared to undertake extensive military action.

The two gunmen were shot dead following the exchange of fire, officials said.

The developments come amid heightened tensions over violence involving Israeli settlers and Palestinians during the annual olive harvest, as Israel prepares for a general election scheduled in four days.

Netanyahu Threatens Wider Military Action

Speaking at the scene of the attack, Netanyahu said the military would demolish the area associated with the attackers and transform the neighbourhood.

He also said he had reviewed plans for what he described as the largest military operation in the West Bank in decades, although he did not specify when such an operation might begin.

Israeli authorities have imposed security cordons around Hebron, a city of approximately 200,000 residents, and the nearby city of Halhul.

Netanyahu's remarks signal the possibility of a wider escalation beyond the immediate response to the checkpoint attack.

The Israeli military said ammunition had been discovered in the attackers' vehicle. According to the military's assessment, the gunmen may have intended to carry out a larger attack along the nearby Route 35 before encountering the checkpoint and opening fire there.

Footage verified by the BBC reportedly shows an intense exchange of gunfire between Israeli soldiers and the attackers.

Demolitions Draw Criticism Over Collective Punishment

The demolition campaign has renewed debate over Israel's policy of destroying the homes of Palestinians suspected of carrying out attacks against Israelis.

Israeli authorities have defended such demolitions as a security measure intended to deter future attacks. However, Israeli human rights organisations have criticised the practice as collective punishment, arguing that it can harm family members and other residents who were not involved in the alleged offences.

Netanyahu compared his proposed action in Hebron with previous Israeli military operations in West Bank refugee camps, where residential buildings were demolished and thousands of Palestinians displaced.

The extent of the latest demolitions and their impact on local residents were not immediately clear.

Far-Right Ministers Call for Tougher Measures

The attack has prompted calls from senior members of Netanyahu's government for a more extensive military campaign.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for an operation in the West Bank modelled on Israeli military campaigns in Gaza and Lebanon.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, meanwhile, called for the dismantling of the Palestinian Authority, which exercises limited self-government in parts of the occupied West Bank.

The statements reflect growing pressure within Israel's governing coalition for a tougher response to attacks against Israeli security forces and civilians.

Opposition leaders, including Gadi Eisenkot and former prime minister Naftali Bennett, expressed condolences to the families of the soldiers killed and praised those who stopped the attackers.

The incident has also begun to affect the election campaign. Netanyahu's Likud party announced that campaign events scheduled for Friday morning would be cancelled following the attack.

West Bank Violence Continues

The shooting occurred against a broader backdrop of escalating violence across the occupied West Bank.

According to the United Nations, at least 96 Palestinians had been killed by Israeli forces or settlers in the West Bank since the beginning of the year, while four Israelis, including security personnel and civilians, had been killed by Palestinians during the same period. The figures cited do not include the Israeli soldiers killed in Friday's attack.

The annual olive harvest has also been marked by reports of extremist Israeli settlers targeting Palestinian communities, further contributing to tensions in the territory.

The latest incident raises concerns that retaliatory military operations and further attacks could lead to additional casualties and displacement.

Security and Political Stakes Rise

With the Israeli election approaching, the attack has placed security policy at the centre of the political debate. Netanyahu has built much of his campaign around national security, while opposition leaders have also condemned the killings.

The potential for a broader military operation, however, raises questions about the humanitarian consequences for Palestinian communities and the prospects for reducing violence.

For residents of Hebron and the wider West Bank, the immediate concerns include the impact of demolitions, movement restrictions and the risk of further clashes.

The situation remains tense as Israeli forces continue their operations and officials consider their next steps.