Katz's plan to shift West Bank settler cases to police not coordinated with IDF, may be blocked

Defense Minister Israel Katz's recent proposal to shift the handling of extremist Jewish activists' cases from the IDF to the police has faced significant hurdles due to a lack of coordination with key authorities. The Jerusalem Post has learned that Katz did not consult several top IDF officials before announcing the plan, leaving many unaware of its specifics until a recent meeting.

Despite Katz's assertions that the change is finalized, sources indicate that multiple factors could impede, curtail, or postpone the proposal for months. The legal and operational landscape in the West Bank remains complex. Under international law, the IDF Central Commander holds ultimate authority in the West Bank, even if responsibilities are delegated.

Israel maintains a position of "belligerent occupation" in the West Bank, implying specific legal responsibilities and rights until the territory's status is resolved through negotiations. While the IDF is primarily responsible for security and public order, the Shin Bet and police have historically played parallel roles. The Shin Bet handles aspects of both Palestinian and, to a lesser extent, Jewish terror, while the police manage arrests for offenses below the terror threshold and gather evidence for indictments.

Cases against Palestinians are processed in the IDF's West Bank Courts. Historically, cases against Jewish individuals have been handled in Israel's civil courts, a decision made decades ago by the Attorney General's Office. This arrangement stems from the principle that Palestinians, considered "foreign" residents, cannot receive fair treatment in Israel's civil courts. The article notes that the fairness of the IDF's West Bank Courts in handling Palestinian cases has drawn international criticism.