Defense Minister Katz Demands Supreme Court Cease Intervention in West Bank Operations

Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a sharp statement Monday, calling on the Supreme Court (High Court of Justice) to cease its involvement in the operational activities of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in Judea and Samaria. Katz asserted that judicial intervention in security considerations risks the lives of soldiers and civilians, and he stated he would not compromise on the matter.

Katz argued that the court must withdraw from operational IDF activities in Judea and Samaria that are designed to protect lives, emphasizing that this is a security and operational issue, not a legal one, and therefore not within the court's purview. This statement comes amid a new security doctrine for Judea and Samaria initiated by Katz and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu upon Katz's appointment.

Under the new doctrine, the Defense Minister directed the IDF to shift from repetitive entries into refugee camps like Jenin to a permanent occupation of the Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nur al-Shams refugee camps. Katz explained these camps had become terrorist hubs for Iran-backed jihadist groups responsible for attacks throughout Judea and Samaria and into Israel. During these operations, all 40,000 residents were evacuated, terrorists were eliminated, and terrorist infrastructure, including homes and booby-trapped streets, was destroyed, with the IDF remaining in the camps permanently.

The Defense Minister reported significant operational results from this policy shift, stating that terrorism in Judea and Samaria has decreased by 80% to its lowest level ever, and the ability to carry out attacks inside Israel has been greatly reduced. He stressed that the IDF's long-term presence in these camps is a necessary security measure to save Israeli soldiers and civilians from serious threats and the activities of Iran-backed and Muslim Brotherhood-backed jihadist elements aiming to replicate the October 7th attacks in Judea and Samaria.

Katz reiterated that the Supreme Court should not interfere in such security considerations, just as it should not interfere in operational activities in Gaza, Syria, Lebanon, or Iran. He affirmed his clear stance on the issue and his intention to ensure it is reflected in all future discussions, warning that he would not compromise and might pursue special legislation in the Knesset if necessary, deeming it their duty to soldiers and citizens.