Hebron homes razed after checkpoint ambush

Israeli military crews began dismantling Palestinian structures in Hebron today after two soldiers were shot dead at a checkpoint outside the city. Three additional troops were wounded in the exchange of fire. Officials confirmed that both Palestinian gunmen were killed in the engagement. Video reviewed by BBC News shows the men exiting a vehicle armed with a handgun and an assault rifle before opening fire on the soldiers.

Speaking from the scene, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the army would "demolish this place and completely transform it." He referred to the neighborhood where the attackers originated. Netanyahu said Israel was prepared for "extensive action" in the West Bank, comparing the planned moves to previous operations in refugee camps that displaced thousands of residents. He noted that he had reviewed plans for the largest military operation in the West Bank in decades, though he did not provide a timeline.

The Prime Minister ordered security cordons around Hebron and the nearby city of Halhul. Hebron is home to approximately 200,000 people. Israeli forces also discovered a large amount of ammunition in the attackers' vehicle. The military believes the gunmen intended to strike Route 35 but began firing after encountering the checkpoint.

The incident has intensified the political climate ahead of the election scheduled for four days from now. Netanyahu's Likud party canceled campaign events planned for Friday morning. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for a campaign in the West Bank similar to operations in Gaza or Lebanon. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir urged the dismantling of the Palestinian Authority.

Tensions rose earlier in the week as Foreign Minister Israel Katz accused opposition leaders of undermining the government by criticizing Netanyahu's warnings about an attack. Katz said the opposition would be "responsible" for any future incident. Opposition figures, including Gadi Eisenkot and former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, sent condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers.

This violence occurs during a period of high tension in the West Bank. Extremist Jewish settlers have targeted Palestinians during the annual olive harvest. The United Nations reports that at least 96 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces or settlers since the start of the year. In the same period, four Israelis have been killed by Palestinians, a count that excludes the two soldiers killed in the latest ambush.