Israeli bulldozers raze Hebron factories after Friday shooting, sparking massive economic loss
Following a shooting that killed two Israeli soldiers and the attackers, Israeli forces demolished two long-standing factories in Hebron, wiping out a business that employed over 70 people.
After a Palestinian gun attack near Hebron’s western gate killed two Israeli soldiers and the two assailants, Israeli forces responded by bulldozing the ceramic and marble factories of Sufyan al-Qawasmi in the Farsh al-Hawa area, without prior notice. The factories, built 50 and 15 years ago respectively, provided jobs for more than 70 workers and exported goods to Israel; their destruction eliminated 1,300 square metres of premises and caused losses estimated at no less than 60 million shekels.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich justified the demolitions as a price for deterrence, while human-rights advocates labeled the act collective punishment. Simultaneously, the Israeli military imposed a citywide lockdown, sealing entrances, conducting raids, and forcing over 3,000 residents from their homes, crippling Hebron’s economy, which accounts for roughly 42 percent of Palestinian GDP. Local merchants like Ibrahim Ahmaro reported spoiled stock and denied access to their shops, adding to the mounting economic damage. Experts warn that if the restrictions persist beyond a few days, the region could face severe supply chain disruptions and a prolonged downturn.
Why it matters
The demolition wipes out a major employer and threatens Hebron's role as a key driver of the Palestinian economy.
How this story developed
- Sep 1 EU debates ban on settlement products as Israeli forces raze West Bank homes
- Oct 17 Settlers attacked a diplomatic convoy in Taybeh, injuring French mayor Bernard Baudoux.
- Oct 19 Israeli police have taken eight individuals into custody following a series of assaults by settlers in the West Bank, which targeted a U.S. photojournalist and several European diplomats.
- Oct 19 Police have arrested ten suspects and filed charges of violent conduct and breach of military orders.
- Oct 23 The strike that killed Akram Yassin and Dina Abu Baker was reported on Tuesday.
- Oct 23 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the Israeli army is being readied for a comprehensive lockdown of the West Bank following a shooting that wounded five Israelis.
- Oct 23 Netanyahu signalled a broader West Bank shutdown and convened an emergency security cabinet meeting.
- Oct 23 Israeli army chief Eyal Zamir said troops would “act forcefully, pursue and reach all those involved in the attack”.
- Oct 24 Israeli forces began coordinated raids that demolished commercial buildings in western Hebron, entered a refugee camp south of the city, used tear‑gas in a northern village, deployed vehicles to Nablus, set up roadblocks and directed residents to leave through screened exits.
- Oct 24 Following the killing of two Israeli soldiers by suspected Palestinians, the Israeli military imposed a full siege on Hebron and ordered a shutdown of the West Bank. The operation involved house searches, demolitions and the arrest of dozens of residents, while settlers attacked local farmers. The move comes days before a national election that could threaten Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's hold on power.
- Oct 24 Israeli troops arrested 19 Palestinians during the second day of the Hebron siege.
- Oct 24 Israeli forces began demolishing homes and sealing the city of Hebron following the killing of two soldiers.
- Oct 25 Israel announced that all land crossings with the West Bank will be closed on election day and that most Palestinian workers will be barred from settlement areas.
- Oct 26 Construction of eight new settlement outposts south of Hebron began.
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