Israel launches major Hebron raid as Netanyahu orders plans to demolish entire neighborhood

The operation involves Israel Defense Forces (IDF) units, the Shin Bet domestic security service, Border Police, and representatives of the Civil Administration. Troops are searching buildings for weapons and militant infrastructure and questioning dozens of suspects.

According to the military, the raid is limited to the area from which the attackers operated. It is expected to last several days.

Palestinian residents of areas where Israeli forces are operating will be allowed to leave through three designated checkpoints. Before departing, they must undergo questioning and security screening. Those considered suspicious may be taken for further questioning.

Following the attack, Israeli forces also restricted movement in Hebron and nearby Palestinian communities.

Netanyahu threatens to demolish an entire neighborhood

On Friday, two attackers shot and killed Israeli soldiers stationed at a checkpoint on the outskirts of Hebron. Following the attack, the military measured the homes where the suspects lived in preparation for possible demolition.

The military also began dismantling structures in the area of the attack that the IDF said could pose a security threat.

Video footage from the scene shows soldiers ordering Palestinians in the Farsh al-Hawa area near Hebron to leave their homes ahead of demolition. Residents' belongings were loaded onto trucks, while bulldozers demolished the structures.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had ordered preparations to demolish the entire neighborhood where the two attackers lived. This would extend the measures beyond the demolition of only the homes belonging to those directly involved in the shooting.

Netanyahu also announced preparations for a complete lockdown of the West Bank. He said the restrictions would be in effect on Monday and Tuesday as a security measure ahead of Israel's national elections.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich also announced the start of demolitions of structures Israeli authorities consider illegal. He said the measures were necessary to deter further attacks and make those responsible pay for the shooting.

Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for new large-scale strikes against Iran and instructed the military to prepare an offensive plan.

However, US President Donald Trump opposes resuming attacks before the US midterm congressional elections scheduled for November 3.