Israel's Civil Service Commission has approved establishing the head of the Settlement Division as a permanent position within the Defense Ministry, according to reporting on Wednesday. The move is intended to entrench recent policy changes in Judea and Samaria.
The commission's Service Committee, chaired by Civil Service Commissioner Doron Cohen, also extended the term of Civilian Administration Deputy Head Hillel Roth from four to six years.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who holds a ministerial portfolio within the Defense Ministry, advanced the decision in coordination with defense officials. Officials said the change ensures the division will remain part of the ministry beyond upcoming elections and is designed to preserve administrative reforms and maintain continuity in governance of Israeli communities in Judea and Samaria.