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

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has instructed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to prepare a plan to transfer all civil enforcement responsibilities concerning Israeli settlements and population in the West Bank to the Israel Police. This directive followed a meeting on Thursday with IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, the head of the Military Intelligence Directorate, the head of the Military Intelligence Branch, and other commanders. Katz emphasized that the police will establish a dedicated force to handle civil matters, receiving the necessary authority and budget to carry out these duties.

The IDF will continue focusing on combating Palestinian terrorism and protecting borders and settlements. Katz explained that the decision responds to the expected increase in settlers in the West Bank, following government approval of 104 new settlements and formalizing agricultural outposts, alongside escalating security challenges. He stated, "The IDF's role is to fight Palestinian terror, defend borders and settlements against threats, and not to chase teenagers on the hills."

Katz added that all responsibility for enforcement and civil issues in the settlements will shift to the police, which must prepare accordingly. The move aims to strengthen governance, law, and order in the West Bank and allow the IDF to concentrate on its primary security missions. Katz concluded, "The Israeli government and IDF will delegate all necessary powers to the police to execute these tasks."