RismadarVoice Reporters
October 23, 2026
Israeli human rights organisation B’Tselem has accused Israeli authorities of preparing measures that could amount to collective punishment and war crimes in Hebron, in the occupied West Bank, following a deadly attack on Israeli soldiers.
The organisation issued the warning on Friday after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans for extensive military operations involving the evacuation of Palestinian residents, searches and the demolition of buildings.
The announcement followed a shooting near Hebron in which two Israeli soldiers were killed and three others injured.
Israeli forces subsequently killed the two Palestinian gunmen suspected of carrying out the attack.
Reacting to the proposed military response, B’Tselem warned that the displacement of civilians and destruction of residential areas could violate international humanitarian law.
The organisation accused Israeli leaders of announcing measures that would punish entire communities for the actions of individuals.
It called on governments and international institutions to intervene urgently to prevent forced displacement, extensive destruction and other potential violations of international law.
B’Tselem described the threatened operation as part of what it considers a wider campaign to dismantle Palestinian communities while expanding Israeli settlements and consolidating control over the West Bank.
The group has previously documented displacement, restrictions on movement, settler violence and demolitions affecting Palestinian communities across the occupied territory.
Netanyahu, however, defended the planned military response as necessary to confront armed groups and prevent further attacks.
Speaking during a visit to the area, the Israeli leader said security forces would conduct searches, remove weapons and destroy infrastructure allegedly used by militants.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich also announced demolitions of structures near Hebron, describing the measures as intended to deter further attacks.
Reports and images from the area subsequently showed Israeli forces evacuating residents and demolishing buildings.
The developments have raised concerns among humanitarian organisations about the safety of civilians and the possibility of further displacement.
Under international humanitarian law, collective penalties against protected civilians are prohibited, while forced transfers and property destruction are subject to strict legal restrictions.
Whether specific actions constitute war crimes requires an assessment of the circumstances and applicable law.
B’Tselem urged international authorities to act before additional Palestinian neighbourhoods were displaced or destroyed.
The confrontation comes amid escalating violence and restrictions across the occupied West Bank, where Israeli military operations, Palestinian armed attacks and settler violence continue to threaten civilian security.
