Adalah Petitions Israeli Supreme Court to Halt Forced Evictions in Hebron

The Adalah Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights in Israel filed a petition with the Israeli Supreme Court on Thursday, October 29, 2026, on behalf of the Hebron municipality and seven residents. The petition seeks to halt the forced eviction of residents and the demolition of civilian buildings in Hebron, as well as lift movement restrictions in the city and its access roads. The legal center requested an interim order to prevent further evictions and demolitions, and to ensure safe passage for medical teams, emergency vehicles, and municipal workers. The petition was filed against the Israeli Minister of Defense, the Central Command military commander, the military advocate general, and the legal advisor to the government.

According to the petition, Israeli military operations in Hebron began on October 23, following a shooting incident that resulted in the deaths of two soldiers. The Israeli army subsequently forced hundreds of families to leave their homes overnight with little prior notice, preventing their return. The petition also states that the army has demolished civilian buildings and seized homes, converting some into military barracks. The Hebron municipality reported that the number of affected families increased from 488 (3,171 individuals) to 780 (4,969 individuals) in a few days.

Adalah argued that the Israeli measures violate international humanitarian law, specifically the prohibition of forced displacement under the Fourth Geneva Convention. The center highlighted that temporary evacuations are only permissible under exceptional circumstances for the safety of the population or urgent military necessity. The petition also raised concerns about the cumulative impact of movement restrictions, which impede access to medical care and emergency services, and hinder the municipality's ability to provide essential services. Approximately 1,200 tons of waste have accumulated due to blocked access roads, posing health and environmental risks.

The center further contended that the lack of concrete justifications for the large-scale evictions, coupled with the prevention of residents' return and the damage to their homes, constitutes legal violations. Adalah also suggested that these actions, along with statements from Israeli officials about "collecting a price" after the shooting incident, could amount to collective punishment, prohibited under the Fourth Geneva Convention. As the occupying power, Israel is responsible for protecting the civilian population and ensuring the continuation of civilian life, Adalah stated.

The petition urges the Supreme Court to issue an immediate order to halt forced evictions and demolitions, remove movement restrictions, and ensure the safe and immediate return of thousands of displaced residents.