Israel Demolishes 35 Palestinian Structures, Minister Links Action to Settlement Expansion

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced that the Civil Administration's enforcement unit, under his purview, demolished 35 Palestinian structures in the West Bank. Smotrich stated that these demolitions are intended to deter Palestinian construction near settlements and are part of a broader policy to strengthen and protect Israeli settlements in the northern West Bank, which he described as Israel's security buffer. He asserted that the actions aim to "fortify and strengthen settlement."

Smotrich did not disclose the specific locations or nature of the demolished buildings, nor the number of Palestinian families affected. Israeli authorities claim many demolitions in Area C of the West Bank are due to construction without permits, while Palestinian building permit applications face significant restrictions. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, obtaining Israeli building permits in Area C is nearly impossible. The UN has reported that demolitions for lack of permits have displaced over 1,700 Palestinians in Area C and East Jerusalem in 2025, the highest annual figure since 2009.

The UN highlights that these demolitions not only remove structures but also displace residents and worsen living conditions, particularly in areas with strict building regulations. Smotrich, however, defends the demolitions as law enforcement and settlement security measures, accusing political opponents of seeking to establish a "state of terror."

The demolitions and related statements occur amidst ongoing debate over construction and demolition policies in the West Bank. The Israeli government maintains that demolitions comply with planning and building laws, while the UN has repeatedly criticized restrictions on Palestinian construction. Smotrich affirmed his government's commitment to supporting and expanding settlements, indicating continued oversight of Palestinian construction alongside plans for new settlement development and security in the northern West Bank.