Netanyahu Orders Hebron Overhaul as Israel Faces Election

Israeli military excavators have begun tearing down structures in the West Bank city of Hebron. The operation follows a shooting incident at a checkpoint where two soldiers were killed and three others wounded by two gunmen. Both attackers were shot dead during the exchange, which was captured on video showing armed men firing from a vehicle before being engaged by return fire.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the site and declared that the military would demolish the neighborhood and completely transform the area. He stated that Israel is prepared for extensive action in the occupied territory, citing similar operations in refugee camps that displaced thousands of residents. Netanyahu said he has reviewed plans for the largest military campaign in the West Bank in decades, though he did not provide a timeline for its execution.

The prime minister confirmed that security forces have established cordons around Hebron and the nearby city of Halhul. Hebron has a population of approximately 200,000. The military reported finding a large amount of ammunition in the attackers' vehicle. Officials believe the gunmen intended to strike Route 35 but encountered the checkpoint and opened fire there instead.

The incident has intensified political activity ahead of the national election scheduled for four days from now. The Likud party canceled campaign events planned for Friday morning. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for a campaign in the West Bank modeled on operations in Gaza or Lebanon. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir urged the dismantling of the Palestinian Authority, a move that aligns with his party's long standing position on governance in the territory.

Tensions were visible among political leaders on Thursday. Foreign Minister Israel Katz accused opposition figures of undermining the government by criticizing Netanyahu's warnings of an impending attack. He argued that those leaders would be responsible for any future strikes. Opposition candidates, including frontrunner Gadi Eisenkot and former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, offered condolences to the soldiers' families and praised the forces that neutralized the attackers.

The death toll in the West Bank has risen during the annual olive harvest season. The United Nations reported that at least 96 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces or settlers since the start of the year. Four Israelis, including security personnel and civilians, have been killed by Palestinians during the same period. These figures do not include the two soldiers killed in the latest checkpoint ambush.