Smotrich: Israel Demolishes 35 Palestinian Structures to Clear Roads to New West Bank Settlements

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced that Israeli forces demolished 35 Palestinian structures on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 — including commercial facilities, residences, plant nurseries and greenhouses — in the northern West Bank, saying the buildings were 'illegally built' and threatened access roads leading to newly established Israeli settlements. The Civil Administration, which Smotrich oversees as the minister with delegated authority over West Bank civilian affairs, carried out the removals. Smotrich framed the action as enforcement against unauthorized Palestinian construction ahead of the October 27, 2026 Israeli election, while criticizing opposition parties. No specific village names, displacement figures, or Palestinian casualties were reported in available coverage.