Defense Minister Katz Rejects Administrative Detentions Amid West Bank Violence
Violence surges in the West Bank as Defense Minister Israel Katz rejects administrative detentions, shifting law enforcement responsibility to the police amid IDF concerns.
Violence erupted in the West Bank as extremist settlers carried out multiple attacks against Palestinians, resulting in injuries and property damage. According to local reports, a vehicle was set on fire in Turmus Ayya after assailants attempted to steal olives, injuring two Palestinians. In Jalud, a school was evacuated following a settler attack, while shepherds were chased in the northern Jordan Valley near Khirbet al-Ras, and farmers were targeted in Burka.
Katz Rejects Administrative Detentions
Defense Minister Israel Katz addressed the surge in violence, shifting full responsibility to law enforcement. He stated that handling extremist Jewish violence in the West Bank must remain strictly under the jurisdiction of the Israel Police Judea and Samaria District, including prevention, investigation, and prosecution. Katz emphasized that the IDF must focus on combatting Palestinian terrorism and defending national borders rather than engaging in civilian law enforcement.
Furthermore, the Defense Minister dismissed calls to reinstate administrative detention orders, a measure he abolished upon taking office. Despite rising tensions and pressure from security agencies, Katz maintained that this tool will not be brought back.
Security Response and IDF Coordination
Police announced the arrest of 10 suspects involved in weekend violence in the Binyamin region, conducted in cooperation with the Shin Bet, Border Police, and IDF. Meanwhile, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir is reviewing operational measures to curb the escalation, noting that 30% to 40% of field forces have been diverted from counter-terrorism operations to manage settler violence due to inter-agency coordination gaps.
