Defense Minister Katz Calls for Balanced Use of Administrative Orders Against West Bank Settlers

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz held a special meeting following a surge in administrative measures taken against settlers in the West Bank. The discussion came after numerous complaints were received by his office regarding the issue. Katz clarified in private talks that his decision to cancel administrative detention orders against settlers aimed to shift suspected offenses into the regular criminal justice system, not to increase the use of other administrative tools.

Katz stated, "When I canceled the draconian administrative detention orders without trial against settlers in Judea and Samaria, the intention was to transfer handling to regular criminal investigations and proceedings, and to remove the stigma from an entire community." He added that there was no intention to replace these orders with widespread use of other administrative powers by the regional military commander without trial, except in rare, exceptional cases. However, he noted that recently this balance has been disrupted.

Addressing the case of Tal Yinon Dardik, who was detained for violating a residence restriction order issued by the Central Command and went on a hunger strike, Katz said, "This case exceeds reasonable bounds and should be regulated appropriately by adjusting the order itself. If he committed offenses, criminal proceedings will be taken against him according to the standard procedure for any Israeli citizen." Katz emphasized that the proper way to handle law violations is through criminal investigation and indictment if evidence exists.

He announced plans to hold a comprehensive discussion soon on the use of administrative tools by the Central Command and to establish clear policy. Katz stressed the need to combat violence and vigilantism through the police and courts while preventing disproportionate harm to settlers and suspects, including the denial of basic rights and stigmatization of the entire community.