Defense Minister Israel Katz has instructed the IDF to prepare a plan transferring civilian law-enforcement responsibilities involving Israeli communities and the Israeli population in Judea and Samaria to the Israel Police—a significant further step in separating ordinary Israeli civilian life in the region from the military framework.
Under the proposed arrangement, Israel Police would establish a dedicated force to handle civilian enforcement in Judea and Samaria and receive the necessary authorities and budgets. The IDF would concentrate more fully on security and counterterrorism.
On its face, this is a change in the division of responsibilities between the army and the police. In the broader context of recent government policy, however, it is also another practical step toward normalizing Israeli sovereignty in Judea and Samaria.
AFSI Insight
AFSI welcomes the move to transfer civilian enforcement in Judea and Samaria from the IDF to Israel Police as an important step toward normalizing Israeli sovereignty. Civilian matters should be handled by civilian authorities, allowing the IDF to concentrate on its primary mission of protecting Israel from security threats. AFSI views this as another practical step toward establishing Israel’s permanent sovereignty over Judea and Samaria.