Defense Minister Israel Katz has instructed the IDF to prepare a plan transferring responsibility for civilian enforcement in Israeli communities and among the Israeli population in Judea and Samaria from the military to the Israel Police.

The directive was issued following a Thursday discussion on Judea and Samaria attended by IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, the heads of the Operations and Intelligence directorates, and other commanders. Under the plan, police will prepare a dedicated force to handle civilian matters and will receive the necessary authority and funding.

At the same time, the IDF will continue focusing on fighting Palestinian terrorism and defending borders and communities. Katz said the change is intended to strengthen governance, law and order in Judea and Samaria while allowing the military to concentrate on its core security missions.

“It’s not the IDF’s job, and it is also unable to enforce civilian matters in Judea and Samaria,” Katz said. He linked the move to what he called the expected increase in the Israeli population following the decision to establish 104 new communities and recognize agricultural farms, as well as to the growing threats and security challenges facing the IDF.

“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.

Katz added that the police will need to prepare for the new responsibility and will receive the means and authorities required to carry it out. “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.

“The Israeli government and the IDF will delegate all powers necessary for conducting the mission to the police,” Katz added.

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