A significant policy change is coming to Judea and Samaria: Beginning next week, IDF soldiers will no longer participate in operations to evacuate or demolish unauthorized Jewish outposts and residential sites. Responsibility for civilian enforcement operations will instead be transferred to Israel Police and Border Police, while soldiers will focus on security missions, protecting residents and combating terrorism.
1+C14 has learned that the decision was made by Central Command as part of a conceptual shift intended to create a clearer separation between security missions and civilian law-enforcement operations in Judea and Samaria. Under the new policy, IDF soldiers will be directed toward operational activity, counterterrorism and protecting roads and communities, while evacuations and demolitions will be carried out by Israel Police and Border Police.
Central Command officials explained that one of the primary considerations behind the move is the desire to reduce friction between IDF soldiers and Israeli civilians while keeping troops focused on operational missions and maintaining their readiness.
1+An official from the Israel Police’s Judea and Samaria District told Channel 14: “Israel Police and Border Police are prepared and ready to assume full responsibility for maintaining law and civil order in Judea and Samaria. This is a civilian law-enforcement mission that naturally belongs in the hands of police forces—not soldiers whose purpose is combat. We will continue to operate in full coordination with the IDF to ensure a professional, determined and balanced response on the ground.”
The move represents a significant departure from the policy followed for years, under which IDF soldiers also participated in evacuation and demolition operations in Judea and Samaria. Central Command is now seeking to draw a clearer division of responsibility between the military, Israel Police and Border Police.