Israeli minister Bezalel Smotrich calls for a major military campaign in the occupied West Bank as settler violence and restrictions increase.
Smotrich Calls for War in Occupied West Bank
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has called for a major military campaign in the occupied West Bank, saying the Israeli army should carry out an operation similar to its campaign in Gaza.
Smotrich made the remarks during an interview published on Sunday while discussing what he described as growing security tensions in the occupied West Bank. He used the biblical terms “Judea and Samaria” when referring to the territory and called for dismantling the Palestinian Authority.
His comments come amid growing international concern over violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, including attacks by Israeli settlers and increasing restrictions on Palestinian movement.
Smotrich Calls for Military Action
Smotrich argued that Israel should launch a full military operation in the occupied West Bank and eliminate what he described as Palestinian armed infrastructure.
He said Israeli forces should apply the same approach used against Hamas in Gaza, calling for the removal of weapons, tunnels and what he characterized as “terror infrastructure.”
The remarks represent a call for a significantly expanded Israeli military presence in the West Bank at a time when violence and tensions have already increased.
Smotrich has previously supported policies aimed at strengthening Israeli control over parts of the occupied West Bank. His latest comments have drawn attention because they come as Israeli authorities face increasing scrutiny over settler violence and restrictions affecting Palestinians.
Settler Violence Rises in West Bank
The occupied West Bank has experienced a sharp increase in violence since the war in Gaza began in October 2023.
According to figures from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, more than 1,330 settler-related attacks against Palestinians were recorded between January and late July. That amounted to an average of around six incidents every day and represented the highest rate recorded in approximately two decades.
The reported attacks have included shootings, assaults, property damage and incidents in which Palestinian homes and communities were surrounded or attacked.
Human rights organisations have also raised concerns about the availability of weapons among settler groups. Some groups have been reported to use military-issued firearms or appear in military-style uniforms during confrontations.
These developments have raised questions about the distinction between armed settlers and Israeli security forces, particularly in areas where soldiers are present during settler attacks.
Military Restrictions Across the West Bank
Smotrich’s comments came as Israeli authorities announced a comprehensive military closure across the occupied West Bank for the Jewish holiday of Sukkot.
The restrictions are expected to remain in effect until October 3 and are likely to affect movement between Palestinian communities, access to workplaces and travel through checkpoints.
Military closures and restrictions have frequently been used by Israeli authorities during Jewish holidays or periods of heightened security.
For Palestinians living in the West Bank, however, such measures can significantly affect access to employment, education, healthcare and other essential services.
The latest restrictions come as tensions remain high across the territory.
Tensions Around Al-Aqsa Mosque
The situation has also remained tense in occupied East Jerusalem, where hundreds of Israelis entered the compound surrounding Al-Aqsa Mosque under heavy Israeli police protection on Sunday.
Palestinian reports said the visitors entered through the Moroccan Gate and carried out religious rituals inside the compound.
Israeli security forces have increased restrictions around the mosque and in Jerusalem’s Old City as tensions have risen.
Al-Aqsa Mosque is one of the most sensitive religious and political sites in the region. Changes to access arrangements, security measures or religious activity at the compound have frequently triggered heightened tensions between Israelis and Palestinians.
Growing Concerns Over West Bank Conflict
The latest developments have increased concerns that the occupied West Bank could face further escalation.
The combination of increased settler violence, military restrictions, armed confrontations and calls for expanded military operations has created a highly volatile security environment.
Smotrich’s call for an operation similar to Israel’s campaign in Gaza has also intensified debate over the future of the Palestinian Authority and Israel’s broader policy toward the occupied West Bank.
The Palestinian Authority exercises limited self-rule in parts of the West Bank under agreements reached during the 1990s. Its future and its relationship with Israel remain major issues in the wider Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
With violence continuing and movement restrictions increasing, international organisations and rights groups continue to monitor developments closely. Further military operations or escalation between Israeli forces, settlers and Palestinian armed groups could have significant consequences for civilians across the occupied West Bank.
