Shin Bet Chief Warns of Resuming Administrative Detentions Against Jews

The head of the Shin Bet, David Zini, warned on Sunday that administrative detention orders against Jews may be reinstated if Israeli settlement leaders and civilian officials do not actively condemn violence in the West Bank. Zini stated he personally opposes such measures but conditioned their continued avoidance on a clear denunciation of these violent acts by the leadership.

Approximately two years ago, then-Defense Minister Yisrael Katz halted the use of administrative detention against Jewish settlers. Zini, since his appointment, has also opposed internal Shin Bet initiatives to resume these detentions, favoring alternatives like electronic monitoring for addressing violence against Palestinians.

The question of who is being asked to condemn the violence is complex, as groups like "Hilltop Youth" do not recognize religious Zionist, Likud, or West Bank council leaders as their representatives. Their political affiliation is reportedly with Otzma Yehudit, which has not condemned the recent incidents. Minister Orit Struk asserted during a cabinet discussion that she has repeatedly condemned the events, a sentiment echoed by other Religious Zionist Knesset members and West Bank council leaders, some of whom have labeled the perpetrators as "anarchists" and "rioters."

Bezalel Smotrich has spoken out less frequently on the issue, while Itamar Ben-Gvir has remained silent. The matter has caused friction between Zini and ministers, including Struk. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar have cautioned that the violence is damaging Israel's international standing. Zini, in turn, criticized the lack of condemnation from the leadership, arguing it harms both security and the settlement enterprise.