West Bank Military Campaign
Israeli Minister Calls for West Bank Military Campaign and Palestinian Authority Dismantling
Anonymous
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has called for an Israeli military campaign in the occupied West Bank modeled on the Gaza offensive and for the dismantling of the Palestinian Authority, which he accused of supporting terrorism. He also advocated annexing areas of Gaza under Israeli military control and territory in southern Lebanon extending to the Litani River. His remarks come amid escalating violence in the West Bank, including a record pace of settler-related attacks, and tighter movement restrictions on Palestinians. The Palestinian Authority has limited self-rule in parts of the West Bank, which Israel has occupied since 1967.
Key Points
1
Smotrich said there should be “no terrorists, no weapons, no tunnels” in the West Bank, comparing the proposed operation to Israel’s campaign against Hamas in Gaza.
2
The UN humanitarian office recorded more than 1,330 settler-related attacks in the West Bank between January and late July—an average of six a day and the highest rate in about 20 years.
3
Rights groups say some settlers are increasingly using military-issued weapons and wearing military uniforms during attacks, making it harder to distinguish settlers from soldiers.
4
Israeli authorities announced a comprehensive military closure across the West Bank for the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, with movement restrictions set to last until October 3.
5
More than 500,000 Israelis live in West Bank settlements among approximately three million Palestinians; the settlements are illegal under international law.
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