Israeli authorities demolished on Sunday four houses under construction in the Arab town of Tira in Israel, under the pretext that they were being built without a permit.

Local sources said Israeli police forces accompanied by bulldozers raided the town and closed all roads leading the targeted houses, which belong to the Palestinian family of Khuffash, before embarking on the demolition, reported Wafa News Agency.

Citizens of the town expressed their fear that today’s demolitions could be a signal that the Israel was returning to the policy of house demolitions in the Arab towns, in light of the political circumstances in the country.

Houses and structures in Arab cities and towns in Israel are a frequent target of demolitions as Israeli authorities make it very difficult for Arab citizens to obtain building permits.