Iran war live: Israel launches ‘targeted’ Hebron operation after attack

Israeli forces initiated the demolition of Palestinian structures in Hebron following a deadly attack by two Palestinian gunmen on Israeli soldiers. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the military would "destroy" the area where the attackers originated and was prepared for significant action in the occupied West Bank.

Three additional soldiers sustained injuries during the incident at a checkpoint outside Hebron before the gunmen were neutralized. Tensions have been escalating due to extremist Jewish settlers targeting Palestinians during the annual olive harvest, and Israel's general election is approaching in four days. Verified footage shows a fierce gun battle between soldiers and the gunmen, with the attackers departing a car carrying a handgun and an assault rifle, opening fire on soldiers at the checkpoint before being met with return fire.

An AFP news agency photo circulated showing one of the suspected attackers. Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that the military would demolish the area, likening it to previous operations in West Bank refugee camps. He also imposed cordons around Hebron and the nearby city of Halhul. Opposition leaders, including frontrunner Gadi Eisenkot and former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, expressed condolences to the families of the deceased soldiers while praising those who eliminated the attackers, accusing critics of undermining the government's warnings of an attack ahead of the election.