Israeli Troops Level Part of Hebron Neighbourhood After Checkpoint Attack

Israeli troops have levelled a neighbourhood in Hebron, in the occupied West Bank, forcing hundreds of families from their homes, according to local Palestinian authorities. The demolitions came after an attack on an Israeli military checkpoint outside the city on Friday.

The checkpoint is a staffed post where soldiers check vehicles and people. On Friday, two gunmen attacked it, and a gunfight of about 20 minutes followed. Two Israeli soldiers were killed and three were injured, and both gunmen were killed. Ein Deir Baha, a district near Hebron, was alleged to be the home district of the two gunmen.

Israeli leaders have described the response in strong terms. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would "act to destroy this place." Bezalel Smotrich, a minister in Netanyahu's government, said he had ordered "the immediate demolition of a wide row of illegal Arab structures adjacent to the attack site." He also called for "a comprehensive military campaign ... exactly like in Gaza and Lebanon."

The scale of the demolitions is still being counted by local officials. The Hebron municipality estimated that 35 hectares (86 acres) in Ein Deir Baha had been destroyed or marked for destruction. By Saturday afternoon, it estimated that about 1,500 people had been evicted from their homes there. A municipality spokesperson put the number differently, saying about 300 families had been evicted by the demolitions.

Hebron, a city of 250,000 people, has been sealed off by checkpoints at every point of entry, The Guardian reported. The Palestinian news agency Wafa reported Israeli plans to displace a further 2,500 people in Hebron.