Defense Minister Katz Orders IDF to Transfer West Bank Enforcement to Police Within Two Weeks

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has set a two-week deadline for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to submit a comprehensive plan to transfer law enforcement responsibilities in the West Bank (Judea and Samaria) to the Israeli police. This directive was issued following a meeting on Sunday that included IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir and Central Command Commander Major General Avi Blot. The plan will be coordinated with the police and will respect the IDF's operational authority in the area.

During the discussion, officials highlighted severe law violations and violent acts by a small minority of Jewish settlers, which have forced the IDF to allocate increasing resources to manage these issues. Katz strongly condemned violence and unauthorized law enforcement by unqualified groups, emphasizing that all civilian law enforcement in the West Bank should be handled by the police with effective inter-agency cooperation.

Katz also reaffirmed that expanding settlements is a key security measure. Major General Blot expressed support for establishing and regulating farms in suitable locations, subject to legal planning and security permits, to enhance regional security. The Defense Ministry's legal advisors are advancing regulations to allow legal recognition of some farms under specific conditions. Additionally, economic deterrents will be considered against those conducting illegal or unregulated activities that impose significant costs on the defense system, alongside criminal consequences.