Israeli Minister Smotrich Calls for War in West Bank

Israeli minister Bezalel Smotrich has issued a direct call for war in the occupied West Bank. His remarks arrive right after Israeli authorities declared a week-long military closure there, using the Jewish holiday Sukkot as the reason. Far-right Finance Minister Smotrich told Ynet News that the Israeli military must go to war and repeat what it did in Gaza. He argued Israel needs to dismantle the Palestinian Authority, which he labels a terror authority.

Using biblical terms for the region, the minister stated they should do in Judea and Samaria exactly what was done in Gaza. This interview came after questions about how to handle rising security tensions in the West Bank. Violence against Palestinians has grown steadily since October 2023 when Israel began its war on Gaza. The attacks have intensified significantly this year alone.

Smotrich said forces must tell soldiers that just as Hamas was dismantled, there will be no terror infrastructure left behind. He specifically demanded an end to weapons, tunnels, and terrorists in the area. This stance follows data from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. OCHA recorded more than 1,330 settler-related attacks on Palestinians between January and late July. That averages six attacks a day, marking the highest rate in about twenty years.

Various settler groups often supported or protected by Israeli soldiers have targeted Palestinians in multiple ways. These actions include shootings, besieging homes, and other forms of communal violence experts describe as pogroms. Rights groups warn that settlers are increasingly armed with military-issued weaponry and wear uniforms during attacks. This blurs the line between a settler and a soldier on the ground.

The new restrictions on Palestinian movement will remain in place until October 3. Meanwhile, hundreds of Israelis stormed courtyards around Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem under heavy police protection. Reports indicate these individuals entered through the Moroccan Gate to perform Talmudic rituals. Israeli forces increased restrictions around the mosque and across Jerusalem's Old City during this time.