Israeli security forces mapped the homes of two Palestinian gunmen who conducted a shooting attack near Havat Gilad in northern Samaria on Friday, killing Maj. Yuval Ezra and Master Sgt. (res.) Benayahu Mellet, the military said.
The Israel Defense Forces and Israel Security Agency, operating under the Samaria Brigade, carried out counter-terrorism operations in the village of Tell, where the attackers lived. Troops mapped the home of the gunman who carried out the shooting; he was eliminated by Israeli forces shortly after the incident.
Forces also mapped the residence of a second suspect who took one of the soldiers' weapons during the attack. This individual was later arrested by troops from the IDF's undercover Duvdevan unit during an operation in the Nablus area of Samaria.
"The homes of both terrorists were mapped in preparation for the temporary sealing of the buildings, which is expected to be carried out as a preliminary step toward their demolition," The IDF said. "Decisions regarding the temporary sealing of the homes will be made in accordance with the recommendations of the security authorities and through an established legal and administrative process that includes all required approvals," It added.
Israel's security establishment views home demolitions as a deterrent against terrorist activity. Demolitions declined significantly in 2023, but accelerated following the October 2023 Hamas attack, with the military issuing orders for demolishing multiple terrorists' homes.