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Smotrich backs demolitions
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said the occupied West Bank is “an inseparable part” of Israel and its security belt while praising demolitions of Palestinian structures and pledging to prevent further Palestinian construction.
Smotrich made the remarks in a post on X about systematic demolitions carried out to expel Palestinians from the occupied West Bank and “Judaize” the territory, and he said, “We continue to enforce the law and prevent illegal construction and takeover by Arabs in Judea and Samaria.”
The statement came as Israeli forces and settlers attacked the Palestinian town of Tell near Nablus, after which Israeli forces imposed a siege on Nablus and surrounding towns, conducted mass arrest raids, and announced preparations for a large-scale military operation across the occupied territory.
Türkiye Today also said Israeli forces most recently demolished nine Palestinian homes and two agricultural facilities Monday in occupied East Jerusalem and the West Bank cities of Ramallah and Jenin, citing a lack of permits.
It added that, according to the Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission affiliated with the Palestine Liberation Organization, Israel demolished 740 Palestinian-owned structures in 341 operations during the first six months of 2026, affecting 923 Palestinians including 546 children.
Arab states condemn Qalandia
Egypt and Jordan condemned an Israeli occupation forces raid on the Qalandia Technical Training Center in northern occupied East Jerusalem and the detention of students and staff inside it.
The Arab states described the raid as a “grave and brazen violation of international law and international humanitarian law,” with the Egyptian Foreign Ministry saying it was a breach of the immunity of UN facilities.
In a Foreign Ministry statement, Jordan’s ministry spokesperson Fuad al-Majali affirmed the kingdom’s “absolute rejection and strong condemnation of Israel’s ongoing systematic campaign to target UNRWA,” and he warned of consequences for UNRWA’s essential services.
The same reporting tied the condemnations to Smotrich’s parallel campaign messaging, noting that on Monday Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich boasted about demolishing Palestinian homes in the occupied West Bank and said the West Bank “is an integral part of Israel.”
The report said the raid included tear gas before detaining teaching and administrative staff, and UNRWA said Israeli forces prevented about 80 students and 45 staff from leaving without handing over documents or official notices.
Annexation campaign and next moves
In parallel with the demolitions and raids, multiple outlets described Smotrich’s annexation push as part of a broader campaign ahead of elections scheduled for October 27.
The reporting said Smotrich previously announced an intention to annex about 82 percent of the West Bank’s area and stressed his rejection of establishing a Palestinian state, while he continued to post photos of demolitions on X.
Yeni Şafak said Smotrich’s remarks appeared in a post attached with photos of demolishing Palestinian homes, and it quoted him saying, “The matter is settled. The West Bank is an inseparable part of the State of Israel, and constitutes its security area.”
WAFA also reported that Smotrich boasted about demolishing Palestinian homes in the occupied West Bank and said, “We are continuing to enforce the law and prevent illegal construction and takeover by Arabs in the West Bank.”
Other reporting tied the political messaging to operational steps, saying Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz ordered the army to take control of a refugee camp in the West Bank and that the briefing included Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, Itzik Cohen, Shlomi Bender, and Avi Blut.
