Smotrich Calls for the Dismantling of "Terrorism Dens" in the West Bank as Ben Gvir Boasts About Freedom to Open Fire

Translation by SadaNews - Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called on Tuesday evening for the dismantling of what he described as "terrorism dens" in the West Bank, and for the confiscation of all weapons there.

This came during a conference of the far-right Hebrew Channel 14.

Smotrich praised the remarks of Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, who said he had instructed the army to prepare for the occupation of another Palestinian camp, stating that they would enter camp after camp until the West Bank is cleansed of militants.

Smotrich said, as translated by SadaNews, "We must dismantle the dens of terrorism and collect the weapons .. I remind you once again for those who do not remember, that in the cursed Oslo it was discussed about only 12,000 policemen with assault rifles, while we later ended up with tens of thousands of militants." Emphasizing the necessity of working in every city, village, town, and house in the West Bank to reach every weapon as they pose a security threat.

Smotrich criticized any calls warning against escalation in the West Bank, considering them similar to those preceding October 7.

He boasted of the settlement revolution he was systematically and comprehensively carrying out in the West Bank.

For his part, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir called for a change in the rules of engagement by the Israeli army in the West Bank.

Ben Gvir said: "The police have become freer to open fire, and I believe the Israeli army should also enjoy greater freedom in dealing with stone-throwers and Molotov cocktail throwers .. This is not unprovoked killing, but a protection of our citizens' lives .. I expect the Chief of Staff and the Central Command leader to work towards this."

Ben Gvir attributed the decrease in the rate of attacks within the Green Line to himself, claiming that the key lies in toughening conditions in prisons for Palestinian detainees. He explained, saying: "Terrorists fear entering Israeli prisons .. prison today is no longer what it used to be, and this is the most important factor in deterrence."