Palestinian Authority Condemns Smotrich Call for West Bank Campaign

The Palestinian Foreign Ministry has issued a sharp statement condemning Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich following his remarks calling for a broad military campaign in the West Bank and the dismantling of the Palestinian Authority.

In Ramallah, officials asserted that the statements constitute an explicit call for escalating aggression and advancing annexation and expulsion policies. The Palestinian response came after Smotrich stated that the West Bank should witness actions similar to those in Gaza, labeling the Palestinian Authority a "terror entity."

International Appeal and Ramallah's Stance

The ministry argued that Smotrich's comments flagrantly violate international law and signed agreements, accusing the minister of promoting policies centered on violence, settlement expansion, and land confiscation.

The Palestinian Authority called on the UN Security Council and the US administration to intervene immediately against annexation, settlement expansion, and expulsion measures, and to protect Palestinian institutions.

Smotrich's Response

In response, Smotrich defended his stance, maintaining that the Palestinian reaction highlights the significance of the settlement policies he champions.

"The terror authority, which supports and encourages terrorism, understands the meaning of the settlement revolution," Smotrich stated. "We are determined to continue it, to fortify the security of the State of Israel, and to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian terror state. The next step is already on the horizon: expanding the settlement revolution to the Negev and the Galilee."

Smotrich further criticized his political rivals, claiming that a government led by Gadi Eisenkot, Avigdor Lieberman, and Yair Golan would work toward evacuating settlements and farms while promoting the establishment of a Palestinian state.