SAFA — Far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has called for a sweeping military offensive across the occupied West Bank modeled on Israel's military attacks in Gaza and Lebanon, demanding the dismantling of the Palestinian Authority (PA), the confiscation of Palestinian weapons, and the killing of armed resistance fighters as part of a broader strategy to consolidate Israeli control over the occupied territory.

Smotrich, leader of the Religious Zionism party, argued that the existing security situation in the West Bank was unacceptable and urged the Israeli military to launch a large-scale campaign targeting Palestinian armed groups in cities, towns, and refugee camps.

He presented the proposed offensive as a strategic necessity, calling for the elimination of organized Palestinian armed resistance and the removal of the Palestinian Authority's political and security role.

Invoking the security of Israeli settlers, Smotrich demanded a comprehensive military operation that would significantly expand Israel's existing raids and security operations throughout the occupied territory.

His remarks come amid continued Israeli military raids, arrests, killings, and settler attacks across the West Bank, where Palestinian communities have faced increasing restrictions on movement and access to their land.

Smotrich Praises Settlement Expansion and Opposition to Palestinian Statehood

Alongside his demands for military escalation, Smotrich praised the Israeli government's expansion of settlements across the occupied West Bank, presenting the policy as a major political achievement that has weakened the prospects for establishing an independent Palestinian state.

He described the expansion of Israeli settlements as a fundamental transformation of the territory, emphasizing its role in preventing the emergence of a sovereign Palestinian state and strengthening Israel's long-term control.

Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank are considered illegal under international law, and their continued expansion has raised serious concerns about the displacement of Palestinian communities, the fragmentation of Palestinian territory, and the future of Palestinian self-determination.

Smotrich's statements reflect his longstanding opposition to Palestinian statehood and his support for policies intended to entrench Israeli control over the West Bank.

His proposed military campaign would extend that approach beyond settlement construction by seeking to dismantle Palestinian governing and security structures while expanding Israeli military operations across the territory.

West Bank Offensive Linked to Israel's Other Military Fronts

Smotrich acknowledged that the timing of a major offensive in the West Bank would depend on Israel's military commitments elsewhere, including its operations in Gaza and Lebanon and its confrontation with Iran.

Nevertheless, he described the proposed campaign as a strategic priority that should proceed once military circumstances allow.

His remarks indicate that he views a wider West Bank offensive as a central objective rather than a temporary response to specific security incidents.

Smotrich also made support for such an operation a condition for his party's participation in a future Israeli governing coalition, signaling his intention to use political negotiations to press for a broader military campaign.

The demand could place additional pressure on future Israeli governments to expand military operations in the West Bank, where Palestinian cities and refugee camps have already experienced repeated raids and armed confrontations.

Calls Raise Fears of Wider Military Escalation

Smotrich's proposals extend beyond the seizure of weapons or operations against individual armed groups. His stated objectives include dismantling the Palestinian Authority and eliminating organized Palestinian armed resistance across the occupied West Bank.

Such an offensive would represent a major escalation in a territory already affected by military raids, arrests, settler attacks, displacement, and restrictions on Palestinian movement.

The prospect of expanded operations in densely populated Palestinian cities and refugee camps also raises serious concerns about the potential consequences for civilians and essential infrastructure.

By linking military escalation to settlement expansion and the prevention of Palestinian statehood, Smotrich has outlined a political and military approach centered on strengthening Israeli control over the occupied West Bank while weakening Palestinian institutions.

His latest demands have renewed concerns about the future of the occupied territory and the risks facing Palestinian communities should Israel pursue a broader military campaign alongside its continuing settlement expansion.