Jerusalem, September 28, 2026: Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has called for a major military operation in the occupied West Bank, saying the Israeli army should take action there similar to its operations in Gaza. His remarks were made in an interview with Israeli outlet Ynet and reported on September 27.

Smotrich said Israel should dismantle what he described as militant infrastructure in the West Bank and called for the Palestinian Authority to be dismantled. These are Smotrich’s stated positions, not an announcement that such a policy has been adopted by the Israeli government.

West Bank Security Tensions

His comments came amid heightened security measures in the West Bank. Israeli authorities have imposed a comprehensive closure during the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, with restrictions on movement and crossings scheduled to continue until October 3.

The Israeli military has also increased its presence in the territory and introduced additional restrictions at checkpoints and roads, according to reports.

Calls for Territorial Annexation

Smotrich also spoke about territorial changes beyond the West Bank. He said he wanted Israel to annex territory in Gaza up to the so-called Yellow Line and extend control in southern Lebanon toward the Litani River.

These remarks have drawn criticism from Palestinian officials, who described them as calls for escalation, annexation and displacement.

International Attention

The comments have attracted international attention because the West Bank is central to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and is internationally regarded as occupied Palestinian territory. Israel disputes aspects of the international legal characterization of the territory and its settlements.

The latest developments come as tensions remain high across the region and as Israeli authorities maintain heightened security measures in the West Bank.