Israel's Defense Minister Calls for Police to Lead Settler Violence Crackdown

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has called for the police to assume full responsibility for preventing, investigating, and prosecuting settler violence in Judea and Samaria. This statement follows a series of attacks over the past weekend. Katz emphasized that the military's role should not include maintaining order among the civilian population, as its primary duties are countering Palestinian terrorism, defending borders, and protecting Jewish settlements.

Katz announced that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have completed a comprehensive plan, developed since August, that delineates responsibilities between the army and police for civilian order in the region. He has discussed the plan's swift implementation with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which will involve enhanced cooperation between the IDF and police, along with providing the police district with necessary financial and personnel resources.

However, Katz reiterated that the plan does not include the resumption of administrative detentions for suspected settlers. He described this measure as excessively harsh, noting that he rescinded it upon taking office as Defense Minister and has no intention of reversing that decision. Administrative detention allows for holding suspects without charges or trial, with potential extensions.

Instead of administrative detention, Katz believes police effectiveness should be increased, asserting that law enforcement agencies are the proper authorities to prevent violations, investigate attacks, and ensure perpetrators are held accountable. The minister previously supported administrative arrests for Palestinians suspected of terrorism and Arab citizens of Israel suspected of ties to terrorist organizations.

Separately, Katz and Zamir are reportedly under investigation in Italy following complaints from participants of pro-Palestinian flotillas intercepted en route to Gaza.