Israeli Far-Right Minister Demands Gaza-Style Offensive in West Bank

"In the next government this will be one of the first measures that we must demand and apply."

By : AFP

Update: 2026-10-23 09:58 GMT

Palestinians walk past buildings destroyed during the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza City Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Jerusalem: Far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called on Friday for a military campaign in the West Bank "exactly like in Gaza" following a shooting attack that wounded at least five people in the occupied Palestinian territory.

"There is no other option but a comprehensive military campaign in Judea and Samaria to dismantle the Palestinian Authority, collect weapons and eliminate terrorists. Exactly like in Gaza and Lebanon," said Smotrich, who also holds a position within the defence ministry. "In the next government this will be one of the first measures that we must demand and apply."