Israel’s policing plan entrenches West Bank annexation: Palestine

Palestinian Vice President Hussein al-Sheikh has condemned an Israeli plan to transfer law enforcement powers over illegal Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank to the Israeli police, calling it another step towards imposing Israeli sovereignty and entrenching annexation.

Al-Sheikh said on Friday that the move announced by Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz violates international law, UN resolutions and agreements signed between the two sides.

“It represents a new attempt to impose Israeli law and sovereignty on the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and to entrench the illegal annexation of Palestinian land,” he said.

He urged the international community, particularly the UN Security Council, to intervene and press Israel to comply with international law and relevant UN resolutions.

Israel plans new police force for illegal settlers

Katz on Friday instructed the Israeli military to prepare a plan to transfer forces’ responsibilities over illegal settlers in the occupied West Bank to Israeli police, which operates under National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

Katz’s office said a special police force would be established and given the necessary authority and funding.

The decision comes as the Israeli military provides security for illegal settlers during attacks on Palestinians, according to Palestinian officials.