Netanyahu Vows Evacuation of Terrorists' Neighborhood; IDF Demolishes Homes

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Friday that the IDF will evacuate residents from the neighborhood where terrorists involved in a deadly shooting attack near Hebron originated. The attack resulted in the deaths of two soldiers. "We will remove weapons from there, and all terror infrastructure will be dealt with and destroyed," Netanyahu stated at the scene. He also noted that the IDF is blocking entrances and exits to Hebron and the nearby village of Huleh, and is considering similar measures in other Palestinian cities. Netanyahu revealed that the IDF has prepared a large-scale operation in the West Bank, "as has not been done since the Six-Day War," adding that it is "on its way."

The Civil Administration has begun demolishing dozens of structures near the Hebron shooting site. Local residents reported that three buildings, already under demolition orders, were destroyed. One homeowner claimed his family had secured a delay for the demolition and possessed documentation, but the forces proceeded with the destruction regardless. Business owners petitioned the High Court of Justice, which issued an interim order to freeze the demolition of commercial properties near the site.

Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich, who also serves as Minister in the Ministry of Defense and authorized the demolitions, declared, "This is just the beginning, we will exact a heavy price from Israel's enemies." He also stated that four additional farms in the southern Hebron Hills have been approved, and that numerous structures would be demolished by Saturday, sending a clear message that terrorism against Israelis carries a severe cost.

In addition to the two fatalities, three Israelis sustained minor to moderate injuries in the morning's shooting. The two terrorists, identified as Firas and Hamuda Al-Jab'a, relatives from the Ein Dir Bahah neighborhood in southwest Hebron, were killed by Home Front Command forces after a pursuit. The IDF raided their homes and is blocking access to Hebron, the largest Palestinian city in the West Bank.

Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Ayale Zamir stated during a situation assessment that a large quantity of ammunition was found in the terrorists' vehicle, intended for a more extensive attack. He credited the "swift action of the soldiers" with preventing a more severe incident. Military assessments indicate the terrorists planned to drive onto Route 35, connecting Hebron to central Israel, but were stopped at a temporary IDF checkpoint at the Yehuda junction. Zamir also ordered the IDF to prepare for additional troop reinforcements for the Central Command as needed.