IDF Soldiers to Cease Evacuating West Bank Outposts

Starting next week, Israeli soldiers will no longer participate in the evacuation or demolition of Israeli outposts and settlements in the West Bank. This significant policy shift transfers responsibility for these civilian enforcement actions to the Israel Police and Border Police. The IDF will now focus exclusively on its core security missions, including defending residents and combating terrorism.

The decision was made by the IDF Central Command as part of a conceptual change aimed at creating a clearer separation between security operations and civilian enforcement in the West Bank. Soldiers will be redirected to operational activities, counter-terrorism efforts, and the protection of routes and communities, while police forces will handle evacuations and demolitions.

Central Command officials stated that a key consideration behind the change is the desire to reduce friction between soldiers and Israeli civilians, allowing the military to concentrate on its operational tasks and maintain combat readiness. This marks a departure from previous years, where IDF soldiers were routinely involved in such operations.

A police source told Channel 14 that the Israel Police and Border Police are prepared to assume full responsibility for maintaining civil law and order in the West Bank. The source emphasized that this is a civilian enforcement mission best suited for police forces, not combat soldiers, and pledged continued full coordination with the IDF to ensure a professional and determined response on the ground.