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Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has said that all parts of the occupied West Bank “belong to Israel,” rejecting the distinctions established under agreements between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization.
“There is no difference between Areas A, B and C. The entire land is ours. This is our country,” Ben-Gvir told Israel’s Channel 14 on Thursday.
What did Ben-Gvir say about the West Bank?
The 1995 Oslo II Accord divided the West Bank into three administrative areas. Area A is under full Palestinian control, Area B under Palestinian civilian and Israeli security control, and Area C under full Israeli control. Area C accounts for about 60% of the territory.
Ben-Gvir also threatened to dismantle the Palestinian Authority and said he would push for Palestinians to leave the West Bank and Gaza Strip if he became defence minister.
He claimed that 60% of Palestinians wanted to “emigrate,” despite reports to the contrary. “I will dedicate time to this, and I will manage the process continuously. Every week, I will hold a discussion involving all relevant parties,” he said.
Comments on security and displacement
Asked how Israel could provide more forces for the West Bank and Gaza, Ben-Gvir said: “It is very simple: The more you allow soldiers to shoot and use force, the less manpower you need.”
“I will remove the restrictions on our soldiers. Today, the police rules of engagement are much more lenient than those of the army,” he added, referring to police use of gunfire against Palestinians.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has spoken about Palestinian displacement on several occasions. Ben-Gvir said Netanyahu “did not want it enough” and blamed him for not advancing such a policy.
Remarks made during election campaigning
The comments come during campaigning for Israel’s October 27 Knesset election. Opinion polls indicate declining support for the governing coalition and gains for the opposition.
Ben-Gvir has recently intensified his threats against Palestinians amid increased competition among Israeli parties. He has also repeatedly visited Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem and performed Talmudic rituals at the Western Wall.
