The cancellation of administrative arrest warrants against Jews, residents of the territories, by Defense Minister Israel Katz, represents a profound injustice, no less troubling than the existence of administrative arrests themselves. These arrests stem from the deeply problematic military legislation imposed in the occupied territories, a system that has persisted for generations. This framework primarily targets Palestinians and serves as a stark indicator of the existence of two parallel legal systems operating in the region.
Historically, this mechanism has been a default tool for the Shin Bet in addressing incitement to violence, racism, and acts of terrorism against Palestinians. It has been applied to influential figures, including Rabbi Meir Kahane, Rabbi Yitzchak Ginsburgh, Baruch Marzel, Bentzi Gopstein, and Meir Ettinger. However, in recent years, the situation has deteriorated significantly due to the Israeli police's refusal to fully and effectively collaborate with the Shin Bet in operations and investigations involving Jewish individuals. As a result, administrative arrests have become a "last resort" measure within the state's arsenal for combating severe manifestations of violent extremism and vigilante terrorism.
Contrary to the Yesha Council's assertion, the umbrella organization of municipal councils of Jewish settlements in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, the minister's action does not reflect a "commitment to the values of justice and equality." Instead, it fundamentally undermines these principles. The publicized intention of "strengthening and encouraging settlement" ultimately conveys a far more troubling message – one of further eroding Israeli governance and sovereignty.
The minister's decision underscores a stark and troubling reality: the territories have devolved into a "no man's land" where "there is no law and no judge," and individuals act according to their own discretion. This step not only diminishes the rule of law but also signals an alarming retreat from the principles of justice and accountability.
