Netanyahu orders Hebron operation after attack kills two Israeli soldiers
After two Palestinian gunmen killed two Israeli soldiers and wounded three near Hebron, Israel began searches, imposed restrictions around Hebron and Halhul, and said the operation would last several days. Netanyahu ordered residents of the attackers’ neighbourhood to be evacuated for house-to-house searches; Israel’s military described the operation as targeted and limited, while the Guardian reported that demolitions had begun and Israel’s high court temporarily halted them.
Bottom line — Israel’s parliamentary election is on 27 October, while the scope and duration of the Hebron operation remain unsettled.
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Israel’s military said residents in the operation area could leave through three designated exits after screening and questioning.
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The military said two suspected attackers were killed and three Israeli soldiers were lightly wounded; the Jerusalem Post identified the dead soldiers as Ron Yonatan Roytman, 23, and Yuval Shai Svilem, 20.
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Netanyahu also ordered preparations for a full closure of the West Bank, according to DW and the Associated Press.
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The Guardian reported that Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said demolitions were intended to deter and exact a price, despite no reported connection between the demolished home’s owners and the attackers.
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The Guardian said Israel’s high court issued a temporary order halting demolitions after nearby factory owners challenged them.
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B’Tselem warned that Israeli leaders’ announced plans could constitute collective punishment and war crimes, according to DW.