Smotrich Calls for War in West Bank
Bezalel Smotrich, Israel’s far‑right finance minister, has called for a full‑scale war in the West Bank, demanding the military repeat the tactics used in Gaza. His remarks come amid a week‑long military closure for the Jewish holiday of Sukkot and escalating settler violence. The Palestinian Autho…
By Felo News Desk · Published
On Sunday, Israel’s far‑right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich told Ynet News that the Israeli army should "go to war" in the occupied West Bank and "do there what we did in Gaza". His remarks, made just a month before the country’s general election, have sparked condemnation from the Palestinian Authority, human‑rights organisations and the international community.
What Smotrich Said
Using the biblical name for the West Bank, Judea and Samaria, Smotrich said Israel must "dismantle the Palestinian Authority, which is a terror authority". He added that the army should "dismantle terror infrastructure"—no weapons, no tunnels, no terror organisations—mirroring the campaign against Hamas in Gaza. The minister also called for the annexation of the territory the army controls in Gaza, up to the so‑called Yellow Line, and for parts of southern Lebanon up to the Litani River.
Context: Rising Violence and Military Closure
Since the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023, Israeli forces have stepped up their crackdown in the West Bank, arresting thousands of Palestinians—many without formal charges—and continuing settler attacks that have been described as pogroms. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs recorded more than 1,330 settler‑related attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank from January to late July, averaging six a day, the highest rate in about 20 years.
At the same time, Israeli authorities announced a comprehensive military closure across the occupied West Bank for the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. The restrictions, which will remain in place until October 3, limit the movement of Palestinians and heighten tensions in an already volatile region.
Reactions from Palestinian and International Actors
The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement condemning Smotrich’s comments as an "explicit invitation to escalated aggression and further crimes against our people". The ministry warned that the remarks would undermine any prospect of an independent Palestinian state and reflected the Israeli policy of killing, displacement, settlement and land confiscation.
Human‑rights groups such as Adalah’s legal director Suhad Bishara described Smotrich’s call as a public declaration of intent to commit war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide against Palestinians in the West Bank. Bishara noted that the minister’s reference to "clearing out" refugee camps implied forced displacement of residents.
Internationally, the United Nations has repeatedly described Israel’s military actions in Gaza as genocide. A UN commission of inquiry panel concluded that Israel committed genocide in Gaza in September. Smotrich’s rhetoric, therefore, has been seen by many observers as an escalation of an already grave situation.
What Happens Next?
While the Israeli government has not yet confirmed any concrete military plan to implement Smotrich’s call, the minister’s statements have heightened concerns about potential violence in the West Bank. The Palestinian Authority has called for increased international pressure on Israel to halt its settlement expansion and to protect Palestinian civilians. Meanwhile, the Israeli military’s upcoming operations during the Sukkot closure will be closely watched for any signs of a shift toward the tactics Smotrich described.
The situation remains fluid. As the general election approaches, political factions within Israel are debating the implications of Smotrich’s statements for national security and international relations. The international community, including the United States and European Union, will likely monitor Israel’s actions closely, given the potential for a broader conflict.
Key facts
- Smotrich urged a war in the West Bank mirroring Gaza tactics
- Comments issued during a Sukkot military closure
- Palestinian Authority and rights groups condemned the remarks
- Calls for annexation of Gaza’s Yellow Line and southern Lebanon
- Uncertainty remains over future Israeli military actions
Why it matters
Smotrich’s rhetoric signals a potential escalation of violence in the West Bank, threatening civilian safety and complicating prospects for a two‑state solution.
Frequently asked questions
What does "going to war" mean in this context?
Smotrich’s statement refers to a large‑scale military operation aimed at dismantling Palestinian governance structures and eliminating what he calls terror infrastructure.
How does the Sukkot closure affect Palestinian movement?
The closure restricts the movement of Palestinians in the West Bank, limiting their ability to travel for work, education and medical care.
What is the Yellow Line?
The Yellow Line marks the boundary where Israeli forces withdrew during the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire, covering about 58% of the enclave.
Will Israel annex the West Bank?
Smotrich has called for annexation, but no official policy decision has been announced yet.
How might this affect the upcoming election?
The comments could influence voter sentiment and shape the debate on security and settlement policies.
Sources
- [1] aljazeera.com
- [2] aljazeera.com
