developing· Security· Updated 12:22

Israel's Defense Minister Calls for Police to Lead Settler Violence Crackdown

Defense Minister Israel Katz announced on Monday that the Israel Police, rather than the IDF, will be responsible for addressing violence by Jewish rioters in Judea and Samaria. Under a new plan developed by the IDF under Katz's guidance, civilian enforcement authority will transfer to the police's Judea and Samaria district, allowing the military to focus on combating Palestinian terrorism and defending borders and communities.

7 newsrooms · 3 languages · since 08:57

Plus

Israel's Defense Minister Calls for Police to Lead Settler Violence Crackdown — Illustration by baba

What happened

01Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that civilian enforcement in Judea and Samaria will transfer from the IDF to the Israel Police.
02Katz confirmed that administrative detention orders against Jewish residents of Judea and Samaria will not be reinstated.
03The Defense Minister stated the IDF must focus on combating Palestinian terrorism rather than civilian law enforcement.
04The policy shift follows the weekend assault of journalist Heidi Levine and foreign diplomats near the village of Taybeh.
05Ten suspects were arrested in the Benjamin region during a subsequent police operation following the violent incidents.
06US Ambassador Mike Huckabee condemned the violence against the journalist and diplomats and welcomed the arrests.
07Katz and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed to expedite the plan and allocate necessary resources to the police.
08Police Commissioner Dani Levy pledged that the police will enforce the law professionally and impartially against all violators.

Katz confirmed that administrative detention orders against Jewish residents of Judea and Samaria, which he canceled upon taking office, will not be reinstated. Describing the administrative orders as a draconian step, the Defense Minister asserted that strong and effective police enforcement is the correct solution to the violence.

The decision follows a weekend of violence in the Benjamin region, which included the assault of journalist Heidi Levine and foreign diplomats near the village of Taybeh. Ten suspects were arrested in a subsequent police operation. US Ambassador Mike Huckabee condemned the violence and welcomed the arrests.

Katz has agreed with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to expedite the implementation of the plan. The transition will involve coordination between the IDF and the police, alongside the allocation of necessary resources, budget, and personnel to the police district. Police Commissioner Dani Levy pledged professional and impartial enforcement against all lawbreakers.

Summarized by baba from the reports of 5 newsrooms. Updated 11:57