Katz: Police to replace military in handling West Bank
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- 'Israel' military to focus on Palestinian threats.
- Zamir backs removal of settler policing duties.
- MK Kariv condemns directive as illegal.
'Israeli' Defense Minister 'Israel' Katz said on Friday that he has instructed the 'Israeli' military to formulate a plan transferring all civilian enforcement authority over 'Israeli' communities and residents in the West Bank to the 'Israel' Police, following chaotic events in the Palestinian village of Qusra.
The proposed initiative aims to redefine the military's functional footprint in the occupied territory by transferring responsibilities related to civilian law enforcement and public order regarding the 'Israeli' population away from the 'Israeli' military.
"The Israeli military's role is to fight Palestinian terrorism and focus on defending the borders and the communities against threats," Katz said in an official statement. "All responsibility for enforcing civilian matters and maintaining law and order will be transferred to the police."
Military focus on execution
The directive drew immediate backlash from police and military officials regarding the practical mechanics of the proposed transition.
A senior police official sharply condemned Katz's announcement, telling N12 that the Defense Minister had "better learn how things work. He's getting very confused. Let him do his homework."
Meanwhile, N12 reported that 'Israeli' military Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir addressed the Security Cabinet, describing the current burden placed on armed forces as unsustainable.
"It would be impossible for soldiers to chase after a small group that is giving the settlements a bad name," Zamir told the Security Cabinet. "We are working in cooperation with the police, but it is appropriate that the 'Israeli' military no longer deal with these missions."
Opposition decries directive
The decision sparked swift opposition from lawmakers, who warned that the policy undermines legal frameworks and weakens deterrence against settler violence.
Member of Knesset Gilad Kariv (The Democrats) decried the instruction, stating that the directive stands "contrary to 'Israeli' law, international law, and our country's clear national security interests."
"This directive will not be implemented, but it sends a clear message to Israeli military troops on the ground: Do not act against Jewish terrorism and the hilltop youth gangs. Commanders who do act will be punished," Kariv stated.
Kariv further accused Defense Minister Katz of functioning directly as an "Iron Dome protecting Jewish terrorism in the West Bank."
