Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich praised Israel’s move to demolish 26 Palestinian buildings in the northern occupied West Bank, according to a report published on August 12, 2026. The far-right minister confirmed that work to destroy the Palestinian structures had already begun.

Smotrich described the demolitions as an essential measure to strengthen Israel’s security and settlement activity. He said the action would serve as a protective shield for the country. The report did not cite reactions from Palestinian officials or other Israeli authorities.

Under international law, Israeli settlement construction in the occupied West Bank is considered entirely illegal, the report said. It added that the International Court of Justice has ruled that Israel’s presence and illegal settlement activity in occupied Palestinian territory are unlawful and should be withdrawn quickly. Despite this, Israel has continued expanding its control in the West Bank and developing new settlements, according to the report.