Israel plans to shift West Bank civilian enforcement to police

Israel's defense minister has initiated a plan to transfer law enforcement powers for Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank from the military to the police. The directive orders the military to prepare the necessary plans for this significant shift in authority. Critics of the move argue that it represents a substantial step towards the annexation of the West Bank. The proposed change aims to centralize civilian enforcement responsibilities, moving them from the purview of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to the Israel Police. This could fundamentally alter the legal and administrative landscape for settlers in the territory, potentially blurring the lines between military and civilian governance. The defense minister's order signals a potential redefinition of how civilian matters concerning settlers are managed in the West Bank, moving towards a more civilian-led approach to enforcement.