Israel's home demolitions after terrorist attacks, explained

(JTA) – Less than a hour after a terror attack in eastern Jerusalem on Friday killed three people, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a succinct message: Destroy the Palestinian attacker's home.

"Prime Minister Netanyahu has decided to take immediate action to seal and demolish the home of the terrorist," said the statement from Netanyahu's office.

Home demolition orders have almost become a matter of course following Palestinian attacks. They don't usually make headlines, nor do they tend to spark public outcry. For decades, Israel has used the tactic as a routine instrument...