Jenin: Far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on Wednesday announced that Israel had commenced the demolition of 26 Palestinian buildings near Jenin in the northern occupied West Bank. The development marks a significant step in the ongoing settlement activities in the region.
According to Anadolu Agency, Smotrich, who leads the far-right Religious Zionism party, made the announcement on the US social media platform X. He stated that the demolitions had begun on Wednesday morning, clearing the path for further illegal settlement activities. Smotrich justified the demolitions by labeling the Palestinian buildings as 'illegal.'
The minister also released photos purportedly showing the demolition process, which comes amid increased settlement activities in the occupied West Bank. The Israeli government had previously approved the reestablishment of the Ganim and Kadim settlements near Jenin in late 2025. This decision was part of a broader plan to establish or reorganize 19 illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank.
The Ganim and Kadim settlements, along with Homesh and Sa-Nur, were initially evacuated by Israel in 2005 under the 'disengagement plan.' This plan also included the evacuation of all Israeli settlements from the Gaza Strip, aiming to allow for Palestinian geographical contiguity in the northern West Bank. However, recent years have seen a reversal of restrictions associated with the plan.
In March 2023, the Knesset amended the 'disengagement plan' law, lifting restrictions that had previously prevented Israelis from entering and residing in evacuated areas of the northern West Bank since 2005. Additionally, the latest UN secretary-general's report on settlements highlights that Israeli authorities advanced or approved plans for 4,750 settlement units in the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem, between March 14 and June 12.
On March 25, the Israeli government approved the establishment or legalization of 34 illegal settlements in Area C of the West Bank. This decision represents the largest number of settlements approved in a single decision by an Israeli government, according to the same UN report. UN Security Council Resolution 2334 asserts that Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, including occupied East Jerusalem, lack legal validity and violate international law flagrantly.