Defense Minister Katz Pushes Police Takeover of Civil Enforcement in West Bank Amid Political Gains

Behind the directive for the IDF to prepare a plan transferring civilian enforcement authority over Israelis in Judea and Samaria to the Israeli police lies Defense Minister Israel Katz's dissatisfaction with the military's handling of Jewish rioters in the Palestinian village of Kusra. IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir demanded to be relieved of responsibility after Katz blocked the army from acting decisively against the rioters. Katz welcomed Zamir's demand, as handing full law enforcement authority in the territories to the Israeli police, including civilian matters, effectively constitutes a de facto annexation or at least a significant declarative and legal step toward annexing the West Bank.

Katz aims to solidify his standing as a right-wing nationalist leader opposing the establishment of a Palestinian state and promoting annexation. This move carries major international political implications and is expected to provoke legal challenges worldwide, increasing Israel's diplomatic isolation. However, the Judea and Samaria police district is currently unprepared for this strategic role due to insufficient manpower, resources, and infrastructure. Even with reinforcements from other districts, the police and Border Police must coordinate operational procedures with the IDF, which remains the sovereign authority in the area under international law as an occupied territory.

The IDF is still obligated to protect the Palestinian population, even if the police assume full responsibility for Israeli civilians, including offenders. Implementation of Katz's directive will likely take several months, if it happens at all. Meanwhile, upcoming elections add uncertainty to the plan's future. Nonetheless, Katz has gained significant political capital among the settler sector within Likud, potentially positioning himself for influence after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's eventual departure.