Itamar Ben-Gvir Supports Transferring West Bank Enforcement to Police, Demands Expanded Authority

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir announced his support for Defense Minister Israel Katz's initiative to transfer civilian enforcement responsibilities in the West Bank from the IDF to the Israel Police. Ben-Gvir described the move as a "significant step toward Israeli sovereignty" in the region. Alongside his endorsement, he demanded that the Border Police in the West Bank also be transferred to police control, a provision he said was stipulated in the coalition agreement but has not yet been implemented.

Ben-Gvir further called for administrative powers, including authority over administrative arrests and restrictions, to be shifted from the Defense Minister and the IDF to himself and the Israel Police. He criticized the current lack of use of these powers against groups he labeled as anarchists and anti-Zionist elements, stating, "It is time to use these tools against the enemies of the state." He emphasized that transferring these authorities is essential for the police to effectively assume responsibility in the West Bank.

This development follows Katz’s directive to the IDF to submit a comprehensive plan within two weeks for transferring civilian enforcement duties in Judea and Samaria to the police. The plan will be coordinated with the police and respect the IDF’s operational authority. Katz also condemned illegal actions and violence by a minority of settlers, affirming that unauthorized law enforcement by civilians will not be tolerated.

Additionally, the government agreed to expedite the legalization of certain West Bank outposts where feasible, subject to legal, planning, and security approvals. The Military Advocate General and the Defense Ministry’s legal advisor are working on regulations to facilitate this process. Economic sanctions against those conducting illegal or unauthorized activities causing significant defense expenditures are also under consideration.