‘Spearhead of annexation’: Israel hands West Bank rule to civilian police
Summary
Israel's Defence Minister ordered the military to prepare a plan to transfer law enforcement in the occupied West Bank from the army to civilian Israeli police. Palestinian leaders and experts warn this move could increase Israeli control over the West Bank and represents a step towards illegal annexation.Key Facts
- Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz wants to shift West Bank security duties from the military to civilian police.
- This decision came after criticism of the army's handling of Israeli settlers in a Palestinian village.
- Katz said the military should focus on fighting terrorism, while police handle civilian matters.
- Palestinian leaders warn this change increases Israeli control and equates to illegal annexation of the territory.
- Experts say applying Israeli civilian law in the West Bank changes the area's legal status and undermines international law protections.
- National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir will lead the police force handling these civilian matters.
- Palestinians accuse Israel of encouraging settlers' violence and creating "fascist militias" to control the area.
- The Palestinian Liberation Organization and Hamas condemn the move as a violation of agreements and a threat to Palestinian land rights.
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