Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has called for Israel to adopt a Gaza-style military approach in the occupied West Bank, raising fresh concern over the possibility of a wider Israeli military campaign in the territory.
In an interview with Israeli newspaper Ynet published on Sunday, September 27, Smotrich said Israel should “go to war” in the West Bank and repeat what it had done in Gaza. He also called for the dismantling of the Palestinian Authority, which he described as a terrorist organisation.
The comments came as Israeli forces imposed tighter movement restrictions across the West Bank during the Jewish holiday period, adding to existing tensions in the territory.
Why Smotrich’s Comments Matter
The significance of the statement lies in what Smotrich is proposing for the West Bank.
He pointed to previous Israeli military operations in the northern West Bank, particularly in Jenin, Tulkarem and Nur Shams, where large numbers of Palestinians were displaced during military operations that began in January 2025. Smotrich presented those operations as an example of what he wants Israel to do more broadly.
His call also goes beyond military action. Smotrich wants the Palestinian Authority dismantled, which would represent a major change to the political structure governing parts of the West Bank.
The Palestinian Authority condemned his remarks, saying they amounted to a call for escalation, annexation and displacement.
West Bank Tensions Are Already Rising
The comments come against a backdrop of increasing restrictions and violence in the West Bank.
Israeli forces have tightened checkpoints and road closures during the current holiday period, restricting movement between Palestinian communities. At the same time, settlement expansion has continued to draw international attention.
A recent Reuters investigation found that unauthorised Israeli settler outposts have expanded rapidly, with 184 established during the three years through 2025, according to Peace Now. Reuters also reported that settler violence against Palestinians has increased this year.
That makes Smotrich’s latest comments part of a wider debate over the future of the West Bank, rather than an isolated statement.
What Could Happen Next?
For now, Smotrich’s comments do not amount to an announcement of a new Israeli military operation. He is a senior government minister, but his statement should not be treated as a formal military order.
The immediate focus will be on whether other members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government support the proposed approach and whether Israeli military operations or restrictions in the West Bank expand further.
The comments also come ahead of Israel’s next election, adding another political dimension to an already tense situation. At the same time, international attention remains focused on settlement expansion and the future of a potential Palestinian state.
