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

On August 12, 2026, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz held a discussion with IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, the head of the Military Intelligence Directorate, and other commanders regarding the West Bank. Katz instructed the IDF to prepare a plan to transfer all civil enforcement powers in the West Bank to the Israeli Police. According to the announcement, the police will establish a dedicated force to handle civil matters and will receive the necessary authority and budget to do so.

Katz emphasized that the IDF's role is to combat Palestinian terrorism, protect borders and settlements from security threats, and manage military concerns, not to enforce civil law amid the expected increase in settlers following decisions to establish 104 new settlements and formalize agricultural outposts. He stated, "It is not the IDF's role nor capability to enforce civil issues in the West Bank, especially given the rising settler population and escalating security challenges."

This directive follows violent clashes earlier in the week in the village of Kusra, where dozens of settlers reportedly besieged two homes in Area B, according to the organization Yesh Din. IDF forces intervened to evacuate the settlers, leading to confrontations, dismantling of fences, and road blockages. The area was declared a closed military zone. Yesh Din reported that seven Palestinians, including two young girls aged four and ten, were trapped in their homes for three days due to blocked access routes, and settlers damaged electricity and water infrastructure.

The incident drew an unusual response from U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Herzog, who said the U.S. Embassy was directly involved and urged Israeli authorities to act. Herzog labeled the settlers involved as "Israeli terrorists" and condemned their actions as criminal offenses against the Palestinian family.