Defense Minister Katz Orders Transfer of Civil Enforcement Powers in West Bank from IDF to Police

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has instructed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to prepare a plan, in coordination with the Israeli Police and relevant authorities, to transfer all civil enforcement responsibilities concerning Israeli settlements and population in the West Bank (Judea and Samaria) to the police. This directive followed a discussion held on Thursday involving Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, heads of operations and intelligence, and other commanders.

According to the plan Katz ordered, the police will establish a dedicated force to handle civil matters and will receive the necessary authority and budget to do so. Meanwhile, the IDF will continue focusing on combating Palestinian terrorism and protecting borders and settlements. Katz emphasized that the IDF's role is not to enforce civil law in the West Bank, stating, "It is not the IDF's role nor capability to handle civil enforcement in Judea and Samaria."

Katz linked the decision to the expected increase in settlers following government approvals for 104 new settlements and formalization of agricultural outposts, as well as the growing security challenges faced by the IDF. He said, "The IDF's role is to fight Palestinian terror, defend borders and settlements against threats, and manage security on the ground, not to chase after youths on the hills."

The transfer aims to strengthen governance and law enforcement in the West Bank while allowing the IDF to concentrate on its primary security missions. Katz noted that the police will need to prepare for their new responsibilities and that the government and IDF will provide all necessary tools and powers to the police to fulfill this role.