Smotrich calls for military campaign to dismantle Palestinian Authority

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has called for a comprehensive military campaign in the West Bank to dismantle the Palestinian Authority, seize weapons, and eliminate resistance fighters. Smotrich, leader of the Religious Zionism Party, stated that such an operation is inevitable and should mirror the military actions seen in Gaza and Lebanon.

Smotrich also highlighted what he described as a 'positive revolution' in settlement expansion under the current government, aimed at preventing the establishment of a Palestinian state. He argued that a radical shift in security doctrine is required to avoid a repeat of the October 7 attacks.

Following a recent attack near the 'Ferch al-Hawa' checkpoint west of Hebron, which resulted in the deaths of two soldiers, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered an immediate lockdown of Hebron. Israeli military officials have also approved a security cordon around Hebron and surrounding villages, with preparations underway for a potential full lockdown of the West Bank.