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Border Police to be split from Israel Police, put under Ben-Gvir’s command

The coalition deal between the Likud Party and incoming National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s Otzma Yehudit Party calls for the move to be implemented within 90 days of the new government’s formation.

Israeli Border Police officers patrol in the eastern Jerusalem neighborhood of Silwan, Oct. 19, 2022. Photo by Olivier Fitoussi/Flash90.
Israeli Border Police officers patrol in the eastern Jerusalem neighborhood of Silwan, Oct. 19, 2022. Photo by Olivier Fitoussi/Flash90.

Israel’s Border Police is to be separated from the Israel Police and made into an independent body, similar to the Israel Prisons Service, under the control of the country’s National Security Minister, Israeli media reported on Thursday.

The plan is part of the coalition agreement signed between incoming Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud Party and Otzma Yehudit, the party led by incoming National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, according to Walla.

Until now, Border Police units in Judea and Samaria have operated under the command of the Israel Defense Force’s Central Command, while Border Police units in Israel have operated under Israel Police command.

Under the terms of the coalition deal, Border Police units will be under the command of the National Security Minister in both areas.

The agreement specifies that the clause must be implemented within 90 days of the new government’s formation.

The IDF has reportedly strongly objected to Ben-Gvir’s demand to receive authority over the Border Police in Judea and Samaria.

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