Jerusalem:As Israel's elections commence, concerns are escalating among Palestinians regarding the potential implications of a victory by the Israeli right. Key figures within these parties have made increasingly hardline statements about the future of the Palestinian National Authority and the Palestinian populace.
According to Palestine news & Information Agency – WAFA – English, far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has called for the dismantling of the Palestinian Authority and is promoting plans to displace Palestinians from the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip. These moves are part of a broader trend among Israeli right-wing leaders to adopt extreme positions on Palestinian issues.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, leader of the Likud Party, opposes the establishment of a Palestinian state. His supporters have pledged to repeal the Oslo Accords while he remains committed to expanding Israeli occupation over Palestinian territories. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has taken actions to economically weaken the Palestinian National Authority by withholding clearance revenues, advocating for settlement expansion, and imposing Israeli sovereignty over parts of the West Bank.
These positions are central to Israel's electoral discourse, as party leaders vie for voter support by pledging tougher measures against Palestinians. As a result, the potential dismantling of Palestinian governing institutions, annexation projects, and settlement expansions are key election issues. Statements by these leaders have raised fears that their pledges could become reality if the far-right gains electoral success.
Smotrich has also called for a large-scale military offensive in the West Bank. Meanwhile, the Israeli occupation army has displaced approximately 2,000 Palestinians in Hebron and demolished Palestinian homes, establishing military control over residential areas. Netanyahu has hinted at a "big surprise" for the Palestinian National Authority, though he has not clarified his intended actions.
The Israeli political landscape shows varied positions on Palestinian issues, with several major parties rejecting the establishment of an independent Palestinian state and favoring expanded Israeli control over occupied territories. While some parties explicitly advocate for dismantling the Palestinian National Authority or displacing Palestinians, others focus on maintaining Israeli occupation security and rejecting full Palestinian sovereignty.