In a nighttime operation, the IDF demolished the home of Muhammad Manasra, the terrorist behind the deadly attack at a gas station in Eli earlier this year. The operation took place in Qalandiya as part of a broader mission conducted by the Benjamin Brigade.
Manasra was responsible for the shooting attack on February 29, 2024, which claimed the lives of two Israeli citizens, Yitzhak Zeiger and Uriah Hartum.
During the same operation, IDF and Border Police forces carried out weapons searches and arrested several suspects. Those apprehended were transferred to security forces for further investigation.
The demolition and arrests did not proceed without incident. Several disturbances broke out during the operation, prompting the IDF to employ crowd dispersal tactics. In response to key instigators, the forces opened fire. The IDF reports that hits were confirmed.
This operation is part of Israel's ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and deter future attacks. The practice of demolishing homes of terrorists, while controversial, is a long-standing policy of the Israeli government aimed at deterrence.
The IDF has released footage of the demolition, underscoring the seriousness with which it approaches these operations and its commitment to transparency in its counter-terrorism efforts.
As tensions continue in the region, such operations are likely to remain a contentious but central part of Israel's security strategy.