Israeli Border Police Plans to End 24/7 Security in Jerusalem Envelope Settlements by October
The Israeli Border Police (Magav) has informed security coordinators in the Jerusalem envelope settlements that the deployment of reserve soldiers providing continuous security since the October 7 attacks will likely end by mid-October. Officially, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the withdrawal would occur by the end of the year, but indications suggest an earlier cessation after the Jewish holidays. These reserve troops were stationed in the settlements in the West Bank following the war's outbreak due to increased threats and intelligence warnings of potential escalations similar to the October 7 events.
Despite ongoing security concerns and a critical State Comptroller report highlighting operational failures and deficiencies in the Border Police's management of checkpoints and security readiness, the Border Police appears to be reverting to a previous security concept. The letter states that while the Border Police is responsible for overall security and policing in the area, the responsibility for organizing and staffing local security rests with the local authorities and settlements themselves. It explicitly clarifies that there is no requirement from the Border Police to maintain continuous 24/7 security guards in every settlement.
This stance has drawn sharp criticism from regional officials and security sources in Judea and Samaria, who argue that the Border Police is shirking its operational and security responsibilities by shifting the burden to local authorities. They emphasize that these settlements are located near hostile Palestinian villages and require constant security presence. Critics stress that following the October 7 attacks, security measures should be increased, not reduced, especially given assessments that Judea and Samaria remain a likely next front for conflict. They describe the Border Police's position as disconnected from the reality on the ground and indicative of a misunderstanding of the threats and the meaning of responsibility for protecting these communities.
