Israel Halts Administrative Detentions of West Bank Settlers, Defense Minister Informs Shin Bet

Nov 22, 2024, 08:41 AM

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that the government will halt the use of administrative detention orders against Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank, informing the head of the Shin Bet of his decision. The controversial practice, which allows suspects to be held without charge, has primarily been used against Palestinians but was occasionally applied to extremist Jewish settlers. Katz stated that in a reality where Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria face severe threats from Palestinian terrorism and unjust international sanctions, it is inappropriate for Israel to use such severe measures against its own people. The move was welcomed by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who called it 'important and great news,' and by Israel Gantz, head of the Binyamin Regional Council.