RismadarVoice Reporters
September 21, 2026
Israeli forces have intensified raids in the occupied West Bank town of Biddu following a deadly attack on an Israeli settler, with residents reporting threats to demolish homes linked to suspected attackers.
The latest measures came after an Israeli man was fatally shot near the Halamish settlement in the central West Bank on Sunday. Israeli authorities said the suspected attacker was later arrested at a hospital after being wounded.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu subsequently ordered increased military and security operations in the area and directed authorities to demolish the suspected attacker’s home.
Residents of Biddu told Al Jazeera that Israeli soldiers had conducted repeated raids and questioned people in the town. Soldiers reportedly entered homes and inspected the residence of the suspected attacker, taking measurements ahead of a possible demolition.
Israeli forces also reportedly raided a residential building containing more than 75 apartments and issued residents a notice requiring them to leave within a week. The reported reason was the presence of a Hamas member in the building.
The developments have renewed debate over Israel’s policy of demolishing the homes of Palestinians accused of carrying out attacks against Israelis. Israeli authorities have defended such demolitions as a deterrent, while Palestinian officials and human rights organisations have described the practice as collective punishment.
The incident also follows a broader increase in Israeli military raids, arrests and home demolitions across the occupied West Bank. Recent operations have included demolitions in several Palestinian communities, while the United Nations has warned of escalating violence and displacement in the territory.
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has separately called for the suspected attacker to face the death penalty. The Israeli parliament adopted legislation in March allowing military courts to impose the death penalty on Palestinians convicted of killing Israelis.
