Israel's National Security Minister Calls to Dismantle Palestinian Authority After Attack

Israel's Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, visited the scene of a recent attack at the Yehuda Junction on Friday, calling for the dismantling of the Palestinian Authority. He also advocated for separating traffic routes for Israelis and Palestinians in the West Bank, stating that Palestinian freedom of movement is less important than Israelis' right to live.

Ben-Gvir, who also chairs the Otzma Yehudit party, made these remarks after receiving a briefing from the acting head of the Civil Administration, Brigadier General Ilan Malka. "It's a difficult morning. We pray for the recovery of the wounded," Ben-Gvir began, adding that the attack reinforced his long-held position in cabinet discussions.

"This is an event that illustrates again what I have been saying for four years in the cabinet. This thing called the Palestinian Authority must be dismantled," he declared. Ben-Gvir argued that the continued existence of the Palestinian Authority in its current form is unacceptable and called for changes to traffic arrangements in the area.

"There cannot be a situation where within the West Bank we have a terror state. They must be dismantled, and joint routes for Jews and residents of the Authority must be stopped," he stated. He emphasized that the security of residents should take precedence over the freedom of movement for Palestinians, asserting, "The freedom of movement of the residents of the Authority is less important than our right to live."

Concluding his remarks, the minister reiterated his demand to "dismantle the Palestinian Authority. They must be dismantled; there cannot be a terror authority alongside the State of Israel."