Israel's Defense Minister Shifts Enforcement Authority from IDF to Police
Translated & summarized from Kipa by baba
Defense Minister Israel Katz is transferring civilian enforcement authority in Judea and Samaria from the IDF to the Israel Police, stating the military should focus on fighting terrorism. This move follows recent violence, including an attack on a journalist, and the arrest of ten suspects. Katz confirmed administrative arrest warrants against settlers would not be reinstated, favoring stronger police action. The US Ambassador condemned the violence and welcomed the arrests.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Defense Minister Israel Katz is shifting civilian enforcement in Judea and Samaria from the IDF to the Israel Police.
- The decision follows recent violence, including an attack on journalist Heidi Levine and foreign diplomats.
- Ten suspects have been arrested in connection with the weekend's violent incidents.
- Katz stated the IDF should focus on fighting terrorism, not civilian enforcement.
- Administrative arrest warrants against settlers will not be reinstated, according to the Defense Minister.
- US Ambassador Mike Huckabee condemned the attack and called the arrests a positive development.
Defense Minister Israel Katz announced on Sunday that administrative arrest warrants against settlers in Judea and Samaria will not be reinstated, and that responsibility for civilian enforcement in the region will be transferred to the Israel Police. This decision follows a weekend of violence, including the assault on journalist Heidi Levine and foreign diplomats in the Benjamin region, which led to the arrest of ten suspects.
Katz stated that the IDF should not be involved in civilian enforcement, asserting, "The IDF does not need and cannot deal with civilian enforcement, but rather to fight Palestinian terrorism and protect the country's borders and the Jewish settlements in Judea and Samaria and the seam line." He believes that handling violence by Jewish rioters must fall under the responsibility of the Police's Judea and Samaria District, encompassing preventive actions, investigations, and prosecutions.
According to Katz, the IDF has prepared a plan to regulate civilian enforcement in Judea and Samaria, distinguishing between the army's operational authorities and the transfer of enforcement responsibilities to the police. He has agreed with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to implement this plan promptly, coordinating between the IDF and the police and allocating necessary budgets and personnel to the relevant district.
Katz emphasized that the plan does not include reinstating administrative arrest warrants against settlers, calling them a "draconian step" he canceled upon taking office. He reiterated, "Administrative orders are not the solution, rather, strong and effective police enforcement is." The announcement came after police reported the arrest of ten suspects in connection with the weekend's violence as part of Operation "Olive Branch," carried out by the Judea and Samaria District with the Shin Bet and Border Police.
The incidents also drew international condemnation, with US Ambassador Mike Huckabee labeling Levine's attack a "cowardly act of terror" and calling the subsequent arrests a "very positive development."
Mentioned
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Centre 1Right 5Other 1
Not the same event — other stories that share this one’s people, places, or theme: background, reactions, and follow-ups.
