Israel Defense Minister Rejects Supreme Court Intervention on West Bank Camp Presence

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated on Monday that the Supreme Court should not interfere with the military's ongoing presence in the refugee camps of Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nur Shams in the northern West Bank. He declared that Israeli forces would remain in these camps "long-term" and indicated a willingness to pursue special legislation in the Knesset if necessary to solidify this policy. Katz's remarks came amid an election campaign and a day after the Supreme Court urged the state to provide a timeline for the return of residents displaced from these camps. The court's directive followed a petition filed by the Association for Civil Rights on behalf of the displaced individuals.

Katz asserted that the Supreme Court should "stay out of the operational activity of the army in the West Bank, which aims to protect the lives of soldiers and civilians," characterizing the military's continued presence as an "operational and security matter, not a legal one." He explained that upon assuming his role, he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu developed a new policy for the West Bank, shifting from frequent raids to an "occupation of the camps" in Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nur Shams.

The Defense Minister claimed that these camps have become "terrorist dens" harboring Iran-backed armed groups responsible for operations across the West Bank and within Israel. He alleged that approximately 40,000 residents have left the camps, and the military has killed militants and destroyed what he termed "terrorist infrastructure," including homes and streets, before establishing a permanent presence. Katz attributed a 80% reduction in West Bank operations and a significant decrease in the Palestinians' ability to carry out attacks inside Israel to this policy.

Katz further argued that the sustained military presence is crucial to counter threats from "jihadist" elements supported by Iran and the Muslim Brotherhood, which he claims are aiming to replicate "October 7-style" attacks in the West Bank. He emphasized that such security considerations, along with operational activities in Gaza, Syria, Lebanon, or Iran, are outside the court's purview. Katz affirmed his unwavering stance on the issue, even if it requires special legislative measures in the Knesset.

Previously, the Supreme Court had requested the state to outline a timeline for residents' return and address claims of inadequate support for the displaced, setting a deadline of November 23 for a supplementary response. The state had acknowledged in an earlier filing that establishing alternative military sites outside Tulkarm and Nur Shams remained in preliminary stages, with no significant progress in coordinating responsibility transfer with the Palestinian Authority or undertaking substantial infrastructure repairs.