Hebron business demolitions carried out without prior hearing, state tells High Court

The state informed the High Court that parts of two business premises near Hebron were demolished without a prior hearing, citing urgent security risks after a deadly shooting attack. Business owners petitioned the court, denying involvement and alleging collective punishment.

The state acknowledged to the High Court of Justice that parts of two business premises near Hebron were demolished without a prior hearing, citing urgent security needs following Friday's deadly shooting attack. Business owners Mustafa and Sufian Qawasmeh and the Al-Quds ceramics company petitioned the court, denying any involvement in the attack and arguing the demolitions amounted to collective punishment. The state said the work occurred before the petition reached authorities and stopped upon receipt. It also cited a 2012 demolition order for one compound but did not explain the enforcement gap. Separately, the Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) reported approximately 1,500 Palestinians forced from their homes, while the IDF described the departures as voluntary and estimated 2,000 residents in the area, which it associated with Hamas. The article notes a dispute between IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir, who wanted to withdraw troops, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who insisted on maintaining the evacuation.