Israeli Defence Minister Orders Transfer of Civilian Law Enforcement in West Bank to Police

Israel’s Defence Minister Yisrael Katz has issued instructions to prepare a plan transferring all civilian law enforcement powers in the West Bank from military control to the Israeli Police. The directive comes after the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) argued it lacks the capacity to enforce civil offences in the territory.

Katz stated that the military’s role should be focused on counter-terrorism operations against Palestinian militant groups, rather than pursuing minor offences. “The IDF’s job is to fight Palestinian terrorism, not to chase young people on hilltops,” he said, signalling frustration with the military’s current enforcement responsibilities.

This move would represent a significant shift in how Israel maintains law and order in the West Bank. The IDF has long held both security and civilian policing duties across the occupied territory, a responsibility that has been increasingly criticised as stretching military resources. By transferring civilian enforcement matters to police authority, the plan aims to allow the military to concentrate on counter-terrorism and broader security threats.

The proposal highlights ongoing tensions within Israel’s security apparatus over resource allocation and jurisdiction. Critics argue the move could complicate coordination between military and police operations, whilst supporters contend it would allow more efficient use of both institutions’ respective expertise and personnel.

Source: Maariv — Original article in Hebrew.