Israeli military demolishes home of Jerusalem ‘bus stop’ bomber in Ramallah

Israel Defense Forces carried an overnight operation to demolish the house belonging to the terrorist behind the Jerusalem bus stop bombings in November, which resulted in two deaths and several civilians injuries.

“The IDF and the Special Forces destroyed the house of the terrorist Eslam Froukh [also written Aslam Farouk] tonight (Wednesday) in the city of Ramallah. The terrorist carried out an attack on November 23, 2022, during which he set off explosives in two locations in Jerusalem,” according to the statement released on Thursday morning.

Violent clashes reportedly broke out between Israeli soldiers and Palestinians during the operation which took place in the early morning hours on Thursday.

“During the activity, violent disturbances developed in several locations, during which suspects threw stones, Molotov cocktails and explosives at the forces. The IDF force responded with measures to disperse demonstrations and live fire, injuries were detected,” an IDF spokesperson announced, adding that there were "no casualties to our forces."

Palestinian media also reported clashes with the IDF during the operation. According to the WAFA Palestnian Authority news agency, “the [Palestine] Ministry of Health reported that six injuries reached the Palestine Medical Complex,” including two journalists.

Videos uploaded to social media showed Palestinians confronting the IDF forces with rocks, Molotov cocktails, and fireworks.

تغطية صحفية: "جانب من المواجهات بين الشبان وبين قوات الاحتلال خلال انسحاب قوات الاحتلال من حي رام الله التحتا وسط مدينة رام الله". pic.twitter.com/VBqothqCBu

— وكالة شهاب للأنباء (@ShehabAgency) June 8, 2023

Farouk was an east Jerusalem resident who held an Israeli work permit. Following his arrest, Israeli security forces said he reportedly had ties with the Islamic State terror organization. The day after the attack, Farouk claimed responsibility for the attack on an ISIS-affiliated Telegram group.

In January, the IDF mapped out Farouk’s home, and in February, they formally notified his family the Defense Ministry’s intention to demolish the residence. After the High Court of Justice rejected an appeal to stop it.

Israel regularly demolishes the homes of terrorists who commit deadly terror attacks. The policy is regularly contested even within Israeli society.

Following the demolition on Thursday, Farouk's mother allegedly stated: "We are fine, the stones can be replaced, it is not terrible. Like all the Palestinian people, this will not be the last house. I am satisfied with my son's actions."