Israeli Police Launch Joint Patrols With Regional Council in Hebron Hills to Boost Security

Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel's Minister of National Security, announced that the Judea and Samaria District Police are establishing a joint policing framework within the Hebron Hills Regional Council. This new system will feature mixed teams composed of local council inspectors and district patrol officers working together in shared vehicles. The initiative aims to provide faster, broader, and more effective responses to both municipal and security needs of the area's residents.

The decision follows a formal request from the regional council head, Eliram Azulai, and extensive coordination between the police district and council leadership. In an official letter to Azulai, Minister Ben-Gvir outlined long-term strategic plans for the southern Hebron settlements, including the future establishment of a significant, independent police station. This station is expected to better serve the community and alleviate the current workload on the main Hebron police station.

Until the new station is operational and staffed, the joint policing teams will serve as an immediate interim measure to strengthen physical presence and institutionalize daily cooperation between the police and the council. Ben-Gvir emphasized that professional teams are already working with all relevant bodies to implement the plan promptly. His office expressed satisfaction with the move, describing it as a fundamental shift in how the Israeli police engage with residents of Judea and Samaria, aiming to provide professional and genuine service comparable to other municipalities across Israel.