Marxist Knesset member Ofer Cassif attempted to reach the village of Qusra in Judea and Samaria today (Friday) in what security officials described as another provocation against IDF soldiers and Israeli civilians. The security establishment was aware Cassif would attempt such a move and prepared to act against him. Defense Minister Israel Katz instructed the system and forces on the ground to prevent Cassif from reaching the Arab village. Israeli forces successfully blocked the lawmaker and his accompanying team from entering the village, preventing what officials called a left-wing provocation.
Separately, Katz recently instructed the IDF to prepare—in coordination with the Israel Police—a detailed plan to transfer all enforcement authority over civil matters involving Israeli communities and population in Judea and Samaria to the police.
Under the directive, the police will prepare and establish a dedicated force appropriate for handling civil matters, and will be granted all necessary authorities and budgets. Katz explained his decision, saying it is neither the IDF’s role nor within its capacity to handle enforcement of civil matters in Judea and Samaria.