Katz’s police plan for Judea and Samaria: A step toward sovereignty—or politics?

Defense Minister Israel Katz has instructed the IDF to prepare a plan to transfer civilian law-enforcement responsibilities in Judea and Samaria to the Israel Police, allowing the IDF to focus on combating terrorism. This proposal is seen by some, including the Sovereignty Movement, as a practical step toward greater Israeli governance and "another layer of sovereignty in practice, even if not yet formally."

• Lawmakers like Ohad Tal and Yisrael Ganz support the move, viewing it as a way to equalize civil rights for residents and allow the police to handle criminal activity.
• The Palestinian Authority condemned the announcement, calling it a violation of international law.
• Maurice Hirsch, a legal expert, believes the transfer would bring normalcy but not advance sovereignty, questioning Katz's motivations as "just cheap political maneuvering" and highlighting the need for significant police funding and resources.
• Deputy Commissioner Moshe Pinchi supports the transfer, provided the police receive necessary resources, and also advocates for the institutionalization of an interagency task force to address violence.