Shin Bet Chief Blocks Administrative Detentions of Jewish Nationalist Suspects in West Bank

Amid rising tensions in the West Bank, field operatives within the Shin Bet supported issuing administrative detention orders against Jewish suspects involved in nationalist crimes. However, Shin Bet chief David Zini opposed this move, believing that other measures could address Jewish rioters. According to sources within the Shin Bet and law enforcement, Zini prefers alternatives to administrative detention for these cases. The Shin Bet declined to comment on internal professional discussions.

About two years ago, then-Defense Minister Israel Katz announced the cessation of administrative detention orders against settlers in the West Bank. Katz stated that given the severe threats of Palestinian terrorism and unjust international sanctions against settlers, it was inappropriate for Israel to use such harsh measures against the settlement community. Currently, eight Jewish individuals remain under administrative detention, but Katz has indicated he will not extend these orders upon expiration and will seek alternative detention methods.

Katz emphasized that if there is suspicion of criminal acts, suspects can be prosecuted, and if not, other preventive measures outside administrative detention are available. He condemned all violence against Palestinians and called on settlement leaders to publicly denounce such acts and uphold the rule of law. Katz stressed the importance of allowing the IDF and security forces to handle terrorism and Palestinian violence without settlers taking the law into their own hands.