IDF demolishes home of Palestinian accused of killing teen in West Bank terror attack

Overnight, the IDF demolished the home of Ahmed Dawabsha, a Palestinian accused of murdering 14-year-old Benjamin Achimeir in a West Bank terror attack in April.

Achimeir went missing while shepherding near the settlement outpost of Malachei Shalom on April 12. His body was found a day later.

Dawabsha, 21, a resident of the West Bank town of Duma, was arrested on April 22. Last month, he was charged with Achimeir’s murder. According to prosecutors, the attack was inspired by the Islamic State jihadist movement.

The IDF says troops operated in Duma overnight to demolish the home.

As a matter of policy, Israel demolishes the homes of Palestinians accused of carrying out deadly terror attacks.

Punitive house demolitions of the homes of terrorists and their relatives are a controversial policy, with the state arguing it is an important tool in deterring potential future terrorists, while civil rights campaigners contend the practice constitutes collective punishment and a severe violation of basic rights, while also challenging the efficacy of the policy.

Elsewhere in the West Bank, six wanted Palestinians were detained. Since October 7, troops have arrested some 4,200 wanted Palestinians across the West Bank, including more than 1,750 affiliated with Hamas, according to the IDF.

14-year-old Benjamin Achimeir, who went missing in the West Bank on April 12, 2024 and was found murdered a day later. (Courtesy)