Kathmandu— Israel’s Defence Minister ordered the military on Friday to transfer civilian law enforcement in the occupied West Bank to the Israeli police, a decision Palestinian officials and political experts warn represents a dangerous escalation of illegal annexation, apartheid, and ethnic cleansing. The shift follows criticism over the army's handling of settler violence against Palestinians, with critics arguing it effectively deputizes settlers and erases the legal distinction between Israel and the occupied territory. Mustafa Barghouti, secretary-general of the Palestinian National Initiative, described settlers as “the spearhead in the process of annexation,” while analysts warn the move will deepen repression and push Palestinians towards displacement.

Justification and Implementation

Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz justified the transfer by stating the army’s role is to combat Palestinian terrorism, not address settler activity. The Defence Ministry indicated that a dedicated police force would be established to handle civilian matters in the West Bank. However, this explanation has been widely dismissed as a pretext for furthering annexationist goals.

Legal and Political Implications

Analysts argue transferring law enforcement from the military to civilian police fundamentally alters the legal reality of the territory, effectively erasing the Green Line border. Mohanad Mustafa, an academic specializing in Israeli affairs, explained that by implementing this change, “the government has annexed the West Bank.” He warned that it absolves the military of its obligations under international law and places enforcement under National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who previously oversaw demolitions of Arab homes. Hussein al-Sheikh, secretary-general of the Palestine Liberation Organization’s executive committee, condemned the move as a violation of international agreements and an attempt to impose Israeli sovereignty over Palestinian land.

Settler Violence and ‘Militia Formations’

The Palestinian Authority accuses Israel of sponsoring settler violence, with even some Israeli members of parliament alleging military complicity. Experts stress that relieving the military of its duties essentially deputizes this violence, turning settlers into an armed extension of the state. Nihad Abu Ghosh, an expert in Israeli affairs, described the settlers as “fascist militia formations” performing the state’s ‘dirty work,’ drawing parallels to fascist movements in other countries.

Apartheid and Displacement Concerns

The shift towards a dual legal framework has drawn sharp criticism for creating a system of segregation. Shadi al-Shurafa, a researcher in Israeli affairs, stated that the situation is “a textbook definition of apartheid,” involving different laws based on ethnicity. Experts warn this could lead to complete ethnic cleansing and trapping Palestinians in isolated areas. Adel Shadid, another expert in Israeli affairs, suggested the move pushes the crisis into a ‘post-annexation phase,’ forcing Palestinians to consider migration.

International Response and Complicity

Analysts have also criticized the international community’s response, particularly the United States, arguing it enables this systemic shift. Adel Shadid dismissed US condemnations of settler violence as attempts to mislead public opinion, claiming the underlying project has full American backing. Andrew Whitley, a former UN official, stressed that the transfer is “completely illegal” and urged immediate global intervention, calling for concrete sanctions to halt the erasure of Palestinian presence.

The planned transfer of law enforcement powers is proceeding despite widespread condemnation, raising fears of escalating violence and further entrenching Israel’s control over the occupied West Bank. The international community faces growing pressure to take meaningful action to prevent what critics describe as a de facto annexation.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.