Israel is already brutally killing people in Gaza and inflicting unspeakable oppression in the occupied West Bank. Despite this, Israel’s far-right Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, has incited for a war in the West Bank similar to the one being waged in Gaza—involving the killing of people and the destruction of homes. He stated that the Israeli military should go to war in the occupied West Bank—referring to the territory by the biblical names “Judea and Samaria”—and replicate the actions taken in Gaza. In an interview with Ynet News published on Sunday, Smotrich said, “Israel must go to war in Judea and Samaria; we must do there what we have done in Gaza. The Palestinian Authority must be dismantled because it is a terrorist authority.” Smotrich made these remarks in response to a question about what Israel should do to address the escalating security tensions in the occupied West Bank. Israeli violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank has steadily increased since the war in Gaza began in October 2023; however, these attacks have intensified significantly this year. Smotrich stated that Israeli forces must be told that, just as they destroyed Hamas in Gaza, no terrorist infrastructure should remain in Judea and Samaria. He added that there should be no terrorists, no weapons, and no tunnels.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that more than 1,330 attacks involving Israeli settlers against Palestinians were recorded in the West Bank between January and the end of July. This amounts to an average of six attacks per day—the highest figure in nearly 20 years. Various Israeli settler groups have carried out attacks against Palestinians in a variety of ways. These incidents include shootings, the besieging of homes, and other forms of communal violence. Experts have described these events as “pogroms.” Human rights organizations have warned that military-issued weapons are increasingly being seen in the hands of settlers; many are also observed wearing military uniforms during attacks.
Consequently, the line distinguishing settlers from soldiers is becoming increasingly blurred. Amidst these remarks by Smotrich, Israeli authorities announced a sweeping military blockade across the occupied West Bank. They stated that the restriction was imposed to coincide with the Jewish festival of Sukkot. These tightened restrictions on Palestinian movement will remain in effect until October 3.
Meanwhile, in occupied East Jerusalem, hundreds of Israelis entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Sunday under heavy Israeli police security. The Palestinian news agency Wafa reported that the Israelis entered the mosque grounds through the Moroccan Gate and performed Talmudic religious rituals. At the same time, Israeli forces further tightened restrictions in the vicinity of the mosque and throughout Jerusalem’s Old City.
