Israeli Military Displaces 3,000 Palestinians in Hebron After Shooting

More than 3,000 Palestinians in Hebron have been displaced from their homes following an Israeli military operation triggered by a shooting that killed two soldiers. The city's government reported the forced evacuations as a direct response to the attack. The shooting occurred Friday at a checkpoint near Hebron, where two suspected Palestinian gunmen opened fire on soldiers and were killed by Israeli forces. Weapons were found in their vehicle, and the military suspected they planned an attack on civilians, though evidence was lacking. Prime Minister Netanyahu subsequently ordered the "destruction" of the gunmen's neighborhood, including home demolitions and entry bans, with most access roads to Hebron also sealed. The Palestinian Authority condemned the actions as collective punishment, with Vice President Hussein Al-Sheikh calling for international accountability. Defense Minister Katz stated Palestinians could return only after "all problems with Hamas in Hebron" are resolved. The operation has drawn comparisons to the Jenin refugee camp, where residents remain displaced after 18 months, and comes ahead of Israeli elections where security is the central issue.