Smotrich urges military campaign in occupied West Bank
The finance minister called for action modelled on Gaza, including dismantling the Palestinian Authority, as authorities announced Sukkot movement restrictions through 3 October.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has urged the military to “go to war” in the occupied West Bank and repeat its actions in Gaza, including dismantling the Palestinian Authority. His remarks were made in an interview with Ynet News published on Sunday.
Smotrich was responding to a question about security tensions in the West Bank. He said Israeli forces should eliminate what he described as terror infrastructure, including weapons and tunnels. The comments state his position; the report does not indicate that the government or military has adopted it.
Israeli authorities have announced movement restrictions across the occupied West Bank for Sukkot, due to remain in place until 3 October. The report does not specify when the closure begins or what movement may be permitted.
The report cites OCHA figures of more than 1,330 settler-related attacks on Palestinians between January and late July, the highest rate in about 20 years. It describes rising violence in the West Bank since the Gaza war began in October 2023.
In occupied East Jerusalem, hundreds of Israelis entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound under police protection on Sunday, according to the report. Wafa reported that some performed religious rituals.
