Israel Demolishes Structures Near Attack Site, Approves New Settlements

Following a deadly attack in the Hebron area that claimed the lives of two IDF soldiers, Israel's Civil Administration began demolishing structures near the site on Friday. The demolitions, described as targeting illegal buildings, were carried out under the directive of Defense Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who visited the location to oversee the operation. Smotrich stated that the action was part of the response to the attack, intended to increase deterrence and exact a heavy price from enemies.

"We are now carrying out a series of demolitions of illegal structures in coordination with the army and the Civil Administration," Smotrich said. "We are sending a clear message to our enemies: whoever messes with us will pay a very painful price. This is just the beginning."

In parallel with the demolitions, Smotrich announced the approval of four new outposts in the southern Hebron Hills region. He indicated that the demolitions would continue until Shabbat began, emphasizing that terror attacks against Israelis would incur a significant cost. Smotrich also revealed that he had agreed with the Prime Minister and the Minister of Defense to map out this area and other regions in Judea and Samaria to concentrate efforts and expand such activities.

Smotrich thanked the IDF's Central Command, the Deputy Head of the Civil Administration for Civilian Affairs, the Civil Administration's Infrastructure Branch, and the supervision unit for their swift response, noting they were called from their homes on a Friday to carry out the demolitions.