Changes to Civilian Law Enforcement in the West Bank
- ACRI
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
On August 17, 2026, ACRI sent an appeal to the Minister of Defense, the Chief of Staff, and the Commander of the Central Command, following the decision by the Minister of Defense to instruct the military to formulate a plan for transferring all civilian enforcement powers relating to the settlements and the Israeli population in the West Bank from the military to the Israel Police. The appeal demands that the decision be revoked immediately and that the military be instructed its role and obligations toward the Palestinian population have not changed.
In the appeal, ACRI Attorney Reut Shaer emphasized that the duty to maintain public order; enforce the law; and protect the lives, physical integrity, dignity, and property of Palestinian residents constitutes a core authority and obligation of the military commander under international law. The military commander's direct responsibility cannot be transferred to the Israel Police. Transferring governmental powers from the military to an Israeli civilian authority is a step that deepens the divide between the law enforcement system that applies to settlers and the military system that applies to Palestinians.
ACRI warned that this decision is particularly concerning against the backdrop of the sharp rise in settler violence. The police in the West Bank lack the resources and operational presence necessary to address settler violence, and in parts of the West Bank police activity already requires coordination and cooperation with the military in order to be effective. The announcement of the transfer of responsibility, before there is any alternative force capable of protecting residents, may create uncertainty among security forces and further the abandonment of the Palestinian population.
In addition to the issues mentioned above, it is worth noting that this decision was made during an election period, when the government is required to act with restraint and moderation and to refrain from taking unnecessary, far-reaching actions. This initiative by the Minister of Defense is politically sensitive; no prior professional staff research has been conducted, and it has been reported that security and police officials have expressed reservations regarding its feasibility and implications. Under these circumstances, advancing this measure is contrary to the rules applicable to a caretaker government.
ACRI's appeal, August 17, 2026 (Heb)
