IDF Issues Demolition Orders for Homes of Terrorists Linked to Deadly Attacks

In a firm step to deter future terrorism and deliver justice for Israeli victims, the IDF announced on Tuesday that its Central Command chief has signed demolition orders for the homes of four terrorists involved in deadly attacks over the past year.

The demolition orders were issued following a string of shooting attacks that claimed the lives of both civilians and soldiers. On Monday, IDF personnel delivered the orders to the homes of the terrorists responsible, located across the West Bank, including the Jenin area and the Jordan Valley.

Two of the terrorists, Muhammad Nazal and Muhammad Zakharna from Kabatiya near Jenin, carried out a coordinated shooting on January 6, 2025, that tragically took the lives of 73-year-old Rachel Cohen, 70-year-old Aliza Reiss, and Israel Police St.-Sgt.-Maj. Elad Yaakov Winkelstein, aged 35. These victims represent the continued targeting of both Israel's elderly and its security forces by extremist elements operating from Palestinian-controlled territories.

Another demolition order was served at the home of Muhammad Dragma in Tubas, located in the northern West Bank. On February 4, Dragma launched a deadly assault on IDF soldiers stationed in Tayasir, in the Jordan Valley. His gunfire killed Sergeant Major (Res.) Avraham Tzvi Tzvika Friedman, 43, and Warrant Officer Ofer Yung, both dedicated reservists who had returned to serve their nation.

The fourth terrorist, Waal Khalouh, also from the Kabatiya area, carried out a deadly shooting at the Mehola Junction in the Jordan Valley. His attack ended the life of Yonatan Deutsch, a young Israeli whose only crime was being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

While the military has allowed the families of the terrorists to submit appeals against the demolition orders, the move sends a strong and unambiguous message: terrorism will not be tolerated, and those who raise weapons against Israel’s citizens will face severe consequences.

Home demolitions, though controversial, are legally sanctioned in Israel as a form of deterrence against future attacks. By targeting the personal assets of terrorists, the state underscores the high cost of participating in violent extremism.

In standing against terrorism, Israel continues to balance justice and security, ensuring that the sanctity of life and the rule of law are defended with unwavering resolve.

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