Israel Demolishes 80 Homes in Al-Dhahiya Village
Israeli authorities demolished approximately 80 homes in the Palestinian village of Al-Dhahiya, displacing 400 people ahead of the October 27 general elections.
The Israel Land Authority and police forces demolished approximately 80 homes in the Palestinian village of Al-Dhahiya in the Negev region on October 12, 2026. The operation displaced around 400 people after the Beersheva District Court rejected a petition to postpone the action. Authorities stated the structures were built without permits.
The demolitions occurred shortly before Israel's general elections on October 27. Mansour Abbas, leader of the United Arab List, accused National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir of using the operation as election propaganda. Abbas urged Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara to freeze all demolition orders until a new government is formed.
Abbas argued that residents of unrecognized villages in the Negev are unable to obtain building permits because of a lack of planning for which the state bears responsibility. The Joint List also denounced the demolitions, describing the action as an assault on human and national rights.
