Bezalel Smotrich, Israel’s far-right finance minister, recently threatened to turn Palestinian towns in the occupied West Bank into ruins like the Gaza Strip in response to escalating violence in the region. Smotrich, known for his outspoken hatred of Palestinians, warned that if attacks on Israeli settlements continued, he would take drastic action. His threat comes amidst increasing violence in the West Bank, with most attacks originating from the Israeli military and settlers perpetrating raids against Palestinian civilians. Since Oct. 7, over 500 Palestinians, including 130 children, have been killed by settlers and Israeli forces, leading to nearly 5,000 injuries as reported by the Palestinian Ministry of Health.
The threat issued by Smotrich echoes his previous comments denying the existence of Palestinian people and referring to Gaza as a “ghetto” that should be resettled by Israelis. The timing of his threat is significant, given the ongoing destruction in Gaza, and raises concerns about the potential for increased violence in the West Bank. Yousef Munayyer, from the Arab Center Washington D.C., notes that the extremist rhetoric and threats from right-wing officials like Smotrich could lead to further destabilization and violence in the West Bank as part of a broader agenda to control and depopulate the territory.
Despite the absence of Hamas in the West Bank, Israel has justified its military campaign in Gaza as an attempt to dismantle the militant group. Smotrich, who holds control over the military budget and land appropriation in the West Bank, has threatened to halt tax revenue transfers to the Palestinian Authority as a punitive measure. Recent incidents, such as a deadly raid in Ramallah resulting in injuries and a death, and the detention of numerous individuals across the West Bank, highlight the ongoing crackdown by Israeli forces. Additionally, Smotrich’s warning of potential attacks in Israeli territories underscores the fear-mongering tactics employed to justify continued occupation and control in the region.
The mixed demographic composition of the West Bank, with both Israeli settlers and Palestinians residing in close proximity, adds to the tension and potential for violence in the region. Unlike Gaza, where the population is predominantly Palestinian, the West Bank presents a complex situation where Israeli settlements are interspersed among Palestinian communities. This proximity poses a heightened risk for conflict and violence between the two groups, especially given the history of abuses and incitement by settlers against Palestinians. Smotrich’s rhetoric of preserving Israeli control over the West Bank as a security buffer for settlements further exacerbates tensions and raises concerns about future escalations.
The incendiary remarks by Smotrich and the actions of Israeli forces in the West Bank underscore a troubling pattern of violence and oppression against Palestinians in the occupied territories. The continued presence of settlers, military raids, and discriminatory policies contribute to a cycle of conflict and instability that threatens the lives and livelihoods of Palestinian civilians. The international community must condemn such threats and actions that perpetuate violence and deny the rights of Palestinians to live in peace and security. Addressing the root causes of the conflict and working towards a just and equitable resolution is crucial to ending the cycle of violence and promoting a future of coexistence and peace for all peoples in the region.
