Israel Moves to Put West Bank Settler Policing Under Civilian Control

Israel’s defense minister has directed the military to

Israel’s defense minister has directed the military to prepare a transfer of law enforcement duties for Israeli citizens in the occupied West Bank to the national police, a shift that Palestinian officials condemned as a breach of international norms and an incremental move toward de facto annexation.

The announcement from Israel Katz came on Tuesday, responding to mounting pressure both at home and abroad over the army’s inability to protect Palestinian residents from settler violence. The proposed handover would place oversight of Israeli civilians in the territory under the jurisdiction of the Israel Police, rather than the military authorities that have governed the area since 1967.

Palestinian Vice President Mahmoud al-Nabahin called the plan a “flagrant violation of international law” and warned that it represented a step closer to full Israeli annexation of the West Bank. He urged the international community to intervene and hold Israel accountable for what he described as an illegal escalation.

The move comes amid a surge in attacks

The move comes amid a surge in attacks by extremist settlers against Palestinian communities, including the recent siege of three families in the southern West Bank. The military has faced criticism for failing to curb such incidents, which have drawn condemnations from the United States and European allies.

Under the proposed framework, police would assume responsibility for investigating crimes involving Israeli civilians in the West Bank, including those committed against Palestinians. The military would retain control over security operations, checkpoints, and interactions with the Palestinian Authority.

Legal experts note that extending civilian Israeli law to settlers—while Palestinians remain subject to military courts—could further entrench a dual legal system in the territory. Some analysts view the change as an administrative measure, but others interpret it as a precursor to formal annexation.

The plan remains in its early stages and

The plan remains in its early stages and requires cabinet approval. Israeli officials have not provided a timeline for implementation, but the defense ministry said it would present a detailed proposal in the coming weeks.