Israel Demolishes Dozens of Structures, Halts Water Theft in West Bank

Israeli forces conducted a widespread enforcement operation across the West Bank in recent days, resulting in the demolition of 37 structures built without permits and the neutralization of four illegal water drilling sites near Jericho. The operation targeted illegal construction in several areas, including Issawiya, northern Samaria, and the Judean Brigade sector.

In Issawiya, near the Duvdevan unit base, 10 buildings were demolished, which authorities stated posed a security risk to forces. An additional 11 buildings were destroyed along Diskont axis in northern Samaria, and 16 unauthorized structures were removed in the Judean Brigade area. The illegal water wells near Jericho were reportedly used for illicit water extraction.

Sources close to Defense Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated the operation is part of a policy to increase enforcement in Area C of the West Bank, aiming to prevent illegal construction and land appropriation. They asserted that the actions are a direct response to Palestinian Authority efforts to establish facts on the ground and undermine Israeli security.

"We will continue to fight with all our might against the illegal takeover and protect the homeland's territories," stated Smotrich's associates. "The determined enforcement on the ground is the clearest answer to the Palestinian Authority's efforts to establish facts on the ground and harm Israel's security."