‘Spearhead of annexation’: Israel hands West Bank rule to civilian police

Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz has ordered the military to prepare a plan to transfer civilian law enforcement in the occupied West Bank to the Israeli police. This decision, according to the article, follows criticism of the army's handling of settler actions. Palestinian officials and analysts warn this move represents de facto annexation, arguing it erases the Green Line and empowers settler groups. They contend that placing civilian enforcement under National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir will lead to increased support for settlers and further repression of Palestinians. The Palestinian leadership and Hamas have condemned the mandate as a violation of international agreements and a dangerous step towards annexation. Experts suggest this shift effectively deputizes settler violence, turning them into an armed extension of the state and entrenching an apartheid system.

Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz has ordered the military to plan the transfer of law enforcement responsibilities for Israelis in the occupied West Bank to the police. This move comes amid criticism of the army's handling of settler actions, including a prolonged siege by militants on Palestinian families in Qusra. Palestinian Vice-President Hussein al-Sheikh condemned the plan as a violation of international law and a step towards annexation. Israeli human rights lawyer Michael Sfard suggested such a transfer could be a significant step towards formal annexation, though expanding police powers within the occupation framework is also legally possible. The announcement coincides with a surge in settler violence and settlement expansion in the West Bank.