Israeli Defense Minister Orders Transfer of West Bank Policing Powers from IDF to Police

Defense Minister Israel Katz has instructed the IDF to prepare a plan transferring all enforcement powers regarding civilian matters among Israeli communities in Judea and Samaria to the Israel Police. Hamas condemned the decision in a leaflet, calling it "a dangerous step toward the actual implementation of annexation" and warning it would "provide additional cover and protection for settler attacks." The transfer would place policing under National Security Minister Ben Gvir's authority.