Israeli minister Smotrich calls for war in West Bank as territory faces holiday closure

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has publicly called for war in the occupied West Bank, a statement that comes as Israeli military authorities announce a full closure of the territory tied to the Jewish holiday of Sukkot.

Smotrich has long been known for his hardline positions on the West Bank, consistently advocating for tighter Israeli control over the territory, which is home to both Palestinian residents and Israeli settlers. His latest remarks arrive amid already heightened tensions between the two communities in the region.

Military closure during holiday

The Israeli military has sealed off access to the occupied West Bank, citing the Sukkot holiday. Such security measures are frequently imposed in Israel during religious holidays, restricting the movement of Palestinian residents between areas.

Smotrich's call for war adds to an already tense atmosphere in a region long marked by conflict between Israeli settlement policy and Palestinian demands for self-determination. His comments also reflect ongoing internal disagreements within the Israeli government over how to proceed with policy toward Palestinians in the occupied territories.

It remains unclear how other members of the Israeli government or the international community will respond to Smotrich's statement.