Current sectionWest Bank NewsKatz said on Friday the police would establish a force to handle civilian issues, while the military would focus on 'Palestinian terrorism' – a distinction officials say is misguided. Legal sources warn the move could be perceived internationally as de facto annexationShare to FacebookShare to XArticle printing is available to subscribers onlyPrint in a simple, ad-free formatSubscribeComments: Zen reading is available to subscribers onlyAd-free and in a comfortable reading formatSubscribeYaniv Kubovich11:27 PM • August 15 2026 IDTIsraeli defense officials have expressed deep frustration over Defense Minister Israel Katz's announcement that he has ordered civilian law enforcement in the West Bank to be transferred to the police, with the IDF drafting a professional and legal position arguing that the directive cannot be implemented. Loading...Click the alert icon to follow topics:TerrorismIsrael settlersWest BankIDFIsrael policeAnnexationIsrael KatzCommentsLoading...In the NewsIn the News: Live UpdatesGazaWest BankLikudRambamColombiaSephora Election PollsHaQuizHaaretz PodcastSettlers Continue to Roam Palestinian Villages Despite Massive IDF PresenceTrump's Iran Focus Strains U.S. Forces as Last Aircraft Carrier Leaves East AsiaRare August Rain Showers Jerusalem, West Bank; Flood Warnings IssuedThree IDF Troops Seriously Wounded by Hezbollah Attack, Netanyahu's Office SaysSite Shared in Likud Groups Allows Users to Identify Party Members by ID NumberRemembering and rebuilding two years laterICYMI50 Years Ago, a Young Israeli Was Crowned the Most Beautiful Woman in the WorldWho Is Rebeca Grynspan, the Jewish Frontrunner to Become the Next UN Chief?Phones of Missing Israeli Mother, Daughter Last Traced Near Vienna Train StationShe's the Superstar of the Israeli Left, and She Wants PowerIsrael Police Say Missing Israeli Mother and Daughter Found in ArgentinaIsrael Elections: How to Actually Read the Polls