Palestine condemns Israeli police expansion in West Bank

Palestinian Vice President Hussein al-Sheikh has condemned a decision by the Israeli government and Defense Minister Israel Katz to expand the law enforcement authority of the Israeli police within Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.

Al-Sheikh stated that this move constitutes a gross violation of international law, UN resolutions, and signed agreements. He characterized the decision as an attempt to impose Israeli law and sovereignty over the West Bank and East Jerusalem, further entrenching the illegal occupation of Palestinian territories.

The Vice President called upon the international community, specifically the UN Security Council, to intervene and compel Israel to adhere to international law. Meanwhile, Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have been instructed to prepare a plan to transfer civil control over Israeli residents in the West Bank to the Israeli police, stating that the IDF's role should focus on combating terrorism and protecting borders.