JFeed

Israeli Defense Minister Katz rejects administrative detention for Jewish settlers, calls for police enforcement

Defense Minister Israel Katz responded to criticism over violence by Jewish rioters in Judea and Samaria, stating that civilian law enforcement must be handled entirely by the Israel Police's Judea and Samaria District, not the IDF. Katz said the military's role is to combat Palestinian terrorism and protect borders and communities, not engage in civilian policing. He announced the IDF has prepared a plan to transfer civilian law enforcement responsibilities to police, but emphasized it does not include reinstating administrative detention orders against Jewish residents—a measure he abolished upon taking office. "Administrative detention orders are not the solution. Strong and effective police enforcement is," Katz stated. He said he agreed with Prime Minister Netanyahu to implement the plan quickly, including allocating necessary budget and personnel to the police district.