Israel completed the demolition early today. The three Palestinian men in their early 20's drew rifles and knives and attacked two female officers during a security check, killing a 19-year-old officer. They were killed by Israeli officers at the scene.
Israel says home demolitions are an effective tool to deter attacks, but critics say the tactic amounts to collective punishment. Palestinian attacks in the last six months have killed 28 Israelis and two Americans, and at least 188 Palestinians have died by Israeli fire.