Israeli Finance Minister Smotrich calls for war in occupied West Bank

Smotrich demands military action and dismantling authority

The minister told a podcast that Israel should go to war in Judea and Samaria. He also stated the need to dismantle the Palestinian Authority which exercises limited self-rule there. Smotrich is the leader of the far-right Religious Zionism party.

Annexation plans for Gaza and Lebanon areas

Smotrich said he would like Israel to annex parts of south Lebanon and the Gaza Strip. He argued that stopping a war at its current lines would not deter future attacks. Various political leaders in Israel oppose the establishment of a Palestinian state.

Recent closures and settler violence context

Israeli authorities ordered a comprehensive closure of crossings into the territory for the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. Forces tightened restrictions around Ramallah and closed entrances to several towns and villages. Local sources reported that residents faced harassment at specific entrance gates.