Transferring West Bank enforcement from IDF to police is a mistake without a plan – editorial

Defense Minister Israel Katz's proposal to transfer responsibility for addressing Israeli extremist violence in the West Bank from the IDF to the police has been met with criticism for its lack of planning and coordination. The Jerusalem Post's Yonah Jeremy Bob reported that Katz did not coordinate with relevant IDF authorities before publicizing the plan, leading to confusion among senior officials regarding its feasibility. The current system, where the IDF holds primary responsibility for security and public order in the West Bank, is complex due to the multifaceted nature of incidents involving Palestinian residents and extremist settlers.

• The proposal faces significant hurdles, including legal questions, manpower constraints, operational difficulties, and potential High Court challenges.
• Recent incidents of settler violence in Kusra, where settlers repeatedly entered a Palestinian village despite a closed military zone order, highlight the need for clearer authority and better enforcement.
• Critics fear that without proper coordination and equipping the police, the transfer could create a gap in enforcement, with the IDF stepping back and the police not yet prepared to step forward.
• The timing of the announcement, ahead of an October 27 election, raises questions about whether political considerations are outweighing policy and operational readiness.