Tuesday’s scenes at Ammunition Hill, as heavy equipment tore into UNRWA’s former headquarters compound, carried a message that most Israelis understood instantly. The state decided that UNRWA’s era in Jerusalem is over, and it acted accordingly.
Other than the reports on the operational facts of the authorities dismantling the compound, there was also a domestic framing that was hard to miss: this is a moment of restoration of sovereignty and a form of historic justice.
Israel should embrace the sovereignty argument and hold itself to the standard that sovereignty demands.
Coverage repeatedly cited the Israel Lands Authority, describing the compound as state land held without proper authorization. Reports used a line that captured the tone: “The land returns to state management.” They also emphasized that the area will now be planned and marketed for public benefit, alongside references to the preservation of the site's historical buildings.
This is crucial because this is not only a dispute about an agency; it is a dispute about who governs Jerusalem.
UNRWA’s defenders abroad often describe it as a humanitarian body caught in a political storm. Israel’s view is sharper: the agency became part of the problem.
In recent months and years, Israel has made public allegations about UN staff involvement with Hamas and about the agency’s facilities being misused. UNRWA has said it took steps against staff while disputing parts of Israel’s claims. Israel has also passed legislation that seeks to end UNRWA activity inside Israel.
Against that backdrop, the concept of a semi-diplomatic compound operating in Jerusalem with a special status and a long history of ambiguity looks less like humanitarian neutrality and more like a governance failure.
Ben-Gvir: Destruction of UNRWA headquarters 'holiday'
Politicians rushed to claim the moment, and their quotes reflect the public mood.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir framed it as a turning point, calling it a “historic day” and a “holiday” for governance in Jerusalem. He also declared that “terror supporters are being banished with everything they built.”
MK Yulia Malinovsky celebrated it with the “Shehecheyanu” blessing (recited upon special occasions), and added, “Redemption has come to Zion.”
The Jerusalem Post supports the dismantling. Israel is entitled to enforce its laws in its capital and to remove an agency it argues has lost legitimacy, especially after October 7.
Israel’s strongest argument is built on documents and facts. The Foreign Ministry’s position, as reported, was direct: the move reflects the implementation of Israeli legislation; Israel says it owns the compound, which does not enjoy immunity; and the action was carried out in accordance with the law. That is the argument Israel should keep repeating, and it should do it with a published legal brief that can be tested.
Reporting also highlighted a practical point that reinforces why this step was necessary. Several outlets described the compound as no longer functioning as an official UNRWA site, yet it is still occupied by squatters or unlawful parties.
The most emotionally resonant voices came from families who connect UNRWA to personal tragedy. Kobi Samerano, father of Yonatan Samerano (who was murdered on October 7, 2023), described the dismantling as a moment of justice and closure for his family, linking it to allegations about UNRWA staff involvement.
UNRWA has provided services that, for better or worse, touched daily life in parts of Jerusalem. If Israel ends an institution’s presence, it must prevent a vacuum that radicals exploit. That means naming who takes responsibility for health services, education placements, and basic welfare functions.
Israel also needs a replacement framework that credible partners can work with. Donor states, including allies, want to know where their money goes. Israel should insist on transparent staffing, vetted payrolls, oversight of facilities, and a clear ban on incitement. It should channel aid through mechanisms that do not carry UNRWA’s political baggage, while ensuring services do not collapse on the ground.
The dismantling at Ammunition Hill will be broadcast globally as a symbol. Israel should make it a symbol of governance. That means the rule of law, a credible plan for civilian needs, and language that strengthens Israel’s case instead of feeding its critics.
Jerusalem requires sovereignty. It also requires competence.