KATZ ORDERS SHIFT: Civilian Enforcement In Judea And Samaria To Move From IDF To Police

Defense Minister Israel Katz has directed the IDF to develop a plan that would transfer civilian law enforcement responsibilities in Israeli communities within Judea and Samaria from military to police authority. The instruction followed a Thursday meeting that included IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, heads of the Operations and Intelligence directorates, and other senior commanders.

Under the proposed arrangement, the Israel Police would establish a dedicated unit for civilian enforcement matters and be granted corresponding authority and funding. The IDF would redirect its focus toward counterterrorism operations and border and community defense.

Katz characterized the transfer as necessary to strengthen governance and rule of law in the region while freeing military resources for core security functions. "It's not the IDF's job, and it is also unable to enforce civilian matters in Judea and Samaria," He stated.

He attributed the move partly to anticipated population growth tied to plans for 104 new communities and recognition of agricultural farms, as well as escalating security challenges facing the military. "The IDF's job is to fight Palestinian terror, to focus on defending the borders and communities from threats, to address the borders and the territory itself, and security threats to the communities and the State of Israel, and not to chase youth on the hills," Katz said.

The defense minister noted that police readiness would require preparation and that the government and IDF would provide necessary authorities and resources. "This is also a significant step in strengthening governance and the rule of law and order in the territories of Judea and Samaria and allowing the IDF to be available for the main missions," He said.