The MSC is tasked with ensuring the security of a community during both routine and emergency situations, until the arrival of Israel Defense Forces (IDF) or Israel Police units. The MSC serves as the primary liaison between regional security agencies, emergency response bodies, and the community and its residents.
The MSC is administratively subordinated to the regional council or the emergency and security supervisor within the local authority. Professionally, he reports to the commander of the regional brigade in whose jurisdiction the community is located.
In areas under the authority of the IDF, which acts as the substitution of the sovereign – such as the West Bank – the MSC operates alongside the military and security forces responsible for protecting the community where he resides. He is responsible for managing the local security system, overseeing the rapid-response squad under his command, and coordinating efforts with IDF officials within his sector.
The rapid-response squad is a specially trained unit composed of local residents. It is designed to act immediately in the event of a security incident, providing an initial reaction until additional IDF or Israel Police forces arrive. Once official forces are on the scene, the squad assists them in their operations. The activities of these squads in the West Bank are governed by legal frameworks, including the Civil Defense Law (1951), the Order Concerning the Regulation of Guarding in Localities (1961), and the Police Ordinance (1971).
The salaries of the MSCs are currently financed by the Ministry of Defense. They carry out their duties under the authority of an official letter of appointment issued by the commander of the relevant regional brigade.
The MSC has a diverse set of responsibilities, including: Managing the rapid-response squad: Recruiting, training, and overseeing local volunteers that serve as a community security force. These squads operate both during routine periods and emergency situations to maintain security within and around the community; Liaison with Security Forces: Coordinating security activities with official security forces, including the IDF, Israel Police, and Border Guard. This coordination involves transmitting reports about suspicious activities, managing emergency situations, and overseeing joint operations with security forces in the field; Threat Identification and Response: The MSC is responsible for identifying potential security threats such as illegal intrusions, terrorist activities, and other risks. When a threat arises, the MSC must mobilize the rapid-response squad, and coordinate the response with relevant security authorities; Maintenance of Security Measures: Overseeing the maintenance and operation of security infrastructure, including security fences, surveillance cameras, alarm systems, weaponry, protective equipment, and other technological security assets; Routine and Emergency Operations: In routine situations, the MSC ensures the upkeep of security systems and conducts training exercises. In emergencies, he is responsible for activating the community's entire security framework to protect residents and property.
The MSC occupies a unique position. He is not a soldier or a police officer, but rather a civilian, typically a resident of the community where he is employed. Though he acts on behalf of a civilian entity (the regional council) he receives training from military institutions, specifically the IDF Central Command and the Judea and Samaria Division. Additionally, the MSC receives weaponry and vehicles from the IDF and operates by authorities granted to him by the military commander.
In a 2013 testimony provided to Breaking the Silence, a reserve soldier remarked: "The reality in [the area] is that there is no formal law – only a law dictated by personalities. The personality of the security officer greatly influences conduct. Some officers are highly tolerant, having lived in the area for a long time and established strong relationships with the local population. Others wield immense influence, essentially defining the boundaries of their own district. In many cases, these officers are the eyes and ears of security forces. Each officer governs his designated area much like a 'sheriff' in his own jurisdiction."
The American Experience with Sheriffs
The comparison to the American sheriff is not coincidental. Numerous studies conducted in recent years regarding sheriffs in the U.S. paint a complex and, at times, concerning picture.
A sheriff (derived from the Old English term "shire-reeve," meaning "county law enforcer") is an official responsible for maintaining law and order within a designated jurisdiction. In the U.S., there are over 3,000 sheriffs with broad patrol authority. However, the scope of a sheriff's role varies significantly across different regions.
Generally, a sheriff provides security and enforces law within his county. However, in normal circumstances, a county sheriff loses authority once outside his jurisdiction and cannot enforce laws in another district unless explicitly authorized by the responsible official in that area.
One of the most debated aspects of sheriff authority is the broad discretionary power they possess. Sheriffs function as bureaucrats with the legal capacity to use force, detain individuals, and even take lethal action – often with limited oversight or checks on their power. Their autonomy can sometimes lead to abuses of power, with certain sheriffs using their position to advance specific religious, political, or ideological agendas.
Studies have highlighted concerns regarding the lack of accountability in sheriff departments, which can foster an environment where misconduct, favoritism, and even criminal behavior may occur. Some sheriffs have been known to engage in unethical or unlawful activities, reinforcing concerns about the broad and largely unchecked power they wield.
The historical development of the sheriff's office is closely intertwined with the expansion of colonialism. The position first emerged in 1634 with the arrival of British colonialists in America. Sheriffs played a pivotal role in facilitating the imperial expansion of the U.S. west of the Mississippi River (which originates in northern Minnesota and flows south to the Gulf of Mexico). As the U.S. extended its territory westward, sheriffs often served as the primary, and sometimes sole, law enforcement officials. In many instances, sheriffs in frontier regions were the only representatives of law enforcement, overseeing settlers who frequently engaged in violent confrontations with marginalized groups, including Black Americans, Native Americans, Mexican-Americans, and others. This "legal" violence took many forms, including arrests, shootings, and the extrajudicial killings of non-white residents.
Two concerning trends emerge from this history: first, the systematic harm inflicted upon marginalized minorities in these regions; and second, the collaboration between sheriffs and far-right elements, forming a consolidated and often unaccountable entity.
Sheriffs who harbor prejudices against certain populations may implement punitive policies that exacerbate inequality and reinforce white supremacy. This is often facilitated by alliances with radical and extremist vigilante groups, who are granted unofficial sanctions to operate in these areas to further these objectives. Sheriffs frequently benefit from having operatives at their disposal who can be mobilized for violent, racist responses – swift, cost-effective, and persistent.
Overall, the role of sheriffs in the expansion of the U.S. often promoted communal violence, encouraged vigilantism, and reinforced white supremacy, particularly in communities across the so-called "Wild West."
The Role of MSCs in the West Bank
The role of MSCs in the West Bank extends beyond that of their counterparts within the Green Line. In these territories, MSCs operate under a military order that grants them broader powers – including the authority to detain individuals, conduct searches, make arrests, and seize objects deemed suspicious.
MSCs serve as intermediaries between settlers and security forces. Because they have often lived in these areas for years, they are viewed as authoritative figures by the security establishment, while IDF commanders and soldiers rotate frequently. Consequently, the descriptions of events as relayed by MSCs – shaped by their own vested interests – often dictate the security forces' understanding of the situation on the ground and influence their operational responses.
In 2009, the jurisdiction of MSCs in the West Bank was expanded, allowing them to operate beyond the settlement area into designated "security zones" surrounding communities. These zones frequently include illegal outposts, further extending their reach and operational scope.
As of July 2024, the conditions for MSCs throughout the country have been significantly upgraded. Following an increase in Israeli government aid to communities in the West Bank, the salaries of IDF civilian employees – including MSCs – were raised substantially. This financial boost enabled communities to establish dozens of new positions, hire additional personnel, and expand the number of substitute roles in all communities. Furthermore, a new training and exercise program was approved to maintain MSC's operational readiness, complete with certification and authorization protocols. Concurrently, ongoing procurement of advanced combat equipment was approved, including personal weapons, departmental firearms, night vision devices, armored vehicles, advanced communications systems, personal protective gear, and specialized tactical uniforms.
Case Studies
Talmon – November 2010: In late November 2010, Brigadier General of Binyamin ordered the dismissal of the MSC in Talmon (a settlement northwest of Ramallah, adjacent to the Talmonim bloc). The dismissal was issued "for professional reasons" after the MSC opened fire at Arabs approaching the settlement fence, shooting at their feet instead of issuing a warning shot into the air. One of the individuals sustained minor injuries from shrapnel and required medical attention. (In another incident, the same MSC actively prevented Civil Administration inspectors from entering the settlement during the "construction freeze" period, obstructing enforcement efforts related to settlement expansion).
Following the incident, the chairman of the Binyamin Residents' Committee stated: "This is a person who performed his duty professionally against someone who approached the settlement in a dangerous manner. The Binyamin Brigade Commander should have commended MSC Talmon for his performance in protecting the residents of the settlement."
Dozens of MSCs demanded that the dismissal of MSC Talmon be reconsidered and that he be reinstated. According to them: "It is well known and publicized that the role of the MSC has no equal. On the one hand, he is an ordinary citizen; on the other hand, he is an army officer in charge of security, managing military arsenal, traveling in a semi-military vehicle, and carrying significant responsibilities. In this role, we are exposed to fire at all times and from every possible direction." As a result, they claim, "we are alone in the field, and no one wants or is willing to stand behind us."
Kochav Yaakov – Late June 2012: The deputy MSC of Kochav Yaakov, a settlement in Binyamin, was subjected to prolonged police questioning, during which his weapon was confiscated, and he was released on bail. The reason for the investigation was his firing into the air during an attempted infiltration by an Arab individual. Upon receiving alerts about unauthorized contact with the settlement fence, the deputy MSC arrived first at the scene and identified the intruder. When the intruder resisted his efforts to detain him, the deputy MSC fired a warning shot into the air before overpowering him and handing him over to the military forces that later arrived.
Talmon – Mid-December 2019: In mid-May 2019, MSC Talmon (Y.A.) was recognized as the outstanding officer of the Judea and Samaria Division and received official commendation for his service.
However, in mid-December of that year, an incident took place in the village of Al-Janiya, adjacent to Talmon, where a local resident, while in a barber shop, heard gunshots and children screaming. When he stepped outside to check the situation, he observed the MSC Talmon firing his M-16 rifle into the village from about 200 meters away. Minutes later, the MSC entered the barber shop, grabbed the resident, and dragged him towards the main road leading to the settlement. Simultaneously, he fired three more warning shots into the air. When a bystander watched the scene from his home, the officer yelled at him to go inside and fired three additional shots in his direction. The officer then escorted the detained resident towards a group of soldiers at the village's edge and left him there. Returning with another armed civilian, both men fired additional shots into the village, some of which hit houses and caused damage. The detained resident's father, witnessing the events, confronted the MSC and demanded an explanation. In response, the MSC and his companion pointed their weapons at the father and another family member, threatening them. The father requested that the MSC leave the village, emphasizing that he had no authority there and that this was not the first time he had entered unlawfully.
Although soldiers were present and witnessed the incident, they did not intervene, even when the father requested that the officer in charge remove the MSC from the area and release his son. Eventually, the MSC returned to the detained individual, demanded his ID card, verbally berating both him and his father. Only after prolonged tension did he return the ID and order the soldiers to release him.
A village resident filed a complaint through the organization Yesh Din – Volunteers for Human Rights. Initially, the case was closed due to the "absence of a criminal offense," but following an appeal and subsequent journalistic investigation, it was reported that an internal military review determined that "the MSC's actions stemmed from a clear operational need." However, certain operational flaws were identified, leading to his reprimand by the brigade commander.
Anatot – November 2021
The MSC of Anatot, a community northeast of Jerusalem, fired his weapon after a Palestinian shepherd approached the settlement fence. The gunfire resulted in the killing of one of the shepherd's sheep. The MSC initially denied shooting, later claimed he fired into the air, and eventually alleged that Bedouins were attempting to sabotage the fence. However, the police confiscated his weapon and suspended him pending the conclusion of the investigation.
Havat Gilad – Mid-March 2022: The MSC of Havat Gilad – an outpost in Samaria near Highway 60 – was charged with obstructing an investigation after discarding evidence related to a "Price Tag" incident. The court extended his detention by two days to allow further inquiry.
Following the arrest, all MSCs in the Samaria Brigade declared a work strike until further notice. Their argument was that the MSC had mistaken three Jewish individuals for intruders, leading to an unnecessary chase. However, during the same period, Arab vehicles in the nearby village of Imatin had their tires punctured, and Hebrew graffiti was sprayed on walls, indicating a coordinated extremist action.
Har Bracha – Late October 2022: The IDF website reported that, following an initial investigation, the MSC of Har Bracha – a settlement and religious community in Samaria, on the Gerizim ridge south of Nablus – took part in a clash between settlers and Palestinians near the village of Burin, without military forces present. His stated intention was to "disperse the conflict that had arisen."
The investigation revealed that the MSC provided a settler with means for dispersing demonstrations – a tear gas grenade – and authorized its use. This act was deemed a breach of his official duties, leading to a decision to refer him for to an investigation. The brigade commander decided on the temporary suspension of the MSC until the investigation concludes. He was also investigated by the police.
Gush Shilo – Mid-November 2022: The commander of the Judea and Samaria Division, along with the Binyamin Brigade commander, decided to dismiss the MSC of the Shilo settlements. During his dismissal, he was informed that he had been "obstructing the activities of the Jewish division in the Shin Bet and the Spatial Unit of the Israel Police in the West Bank, in countering nationalist crime in the region and collaborating with the Hilltop Youth."
The conclusion drawn from the investigation was that he was "not suitable for collaboration with security officials."
Shavei Shomron – Late April 2024: It was reported that a MSC detained an Arab-Israeli driver from Taibeh near Shavei Shomron – a religious community and settlement in northern Samaria, affiliated with the Amana movement.
"The driver did not respond to his calls and attempted to escape. The MSC pursued the vehicle until the driver broke through a checkpoint and moved towards the MSC, who then responded by firing and injuring the driver." The driver was wounded by multiple bullets and was transported to a hospital for medical treatment.
The IDF issued a statement clarifying that the MSC had fired upon an Israeli vehicle that did not pose a security threat. An initial investigation determined that the MSC exceeded his authority and violated IDF orders and regulations concerning the use of force.
Yitzhar – June 2024: A MSC in Yitzhar – a settlement in Samaria south of Nablus – shot a Palestinian, moderately injuring him with two bullets. The Palestinian was reportedly armed with a knife, yet according to IDF soldiers present, he did not pose an immediate threat. The MSC acted independently, contrary to commanders' orders.
After an investigation, the IDF determined that "no procedural violations were found in the MSC's actions."
In late August 2024, the U.S. State Department announced sanctions against the MSC, citing allegations of violence against Palestinians. The statement emphasized that "although his role is akin to that of a security and law enforcement officer, he engaged in activities beyond his authority."
In February 2024, the MSC allegedly led a group of armed settlers in establishing unauthorized checkpoints and patrols, targeting Palestinians.
Following the imposition of sanctions, the Yesh Din organization released a statement: "For years, we have documented evidence of his unlawful actions. However, many victims refrain from lodging complaints due to the MSC's unchecked power in the region."
Conclusions
General: The ambiguous status of MSCs in the West Bank, which has persisted for years, has granted them considerable authority and influence, often blurring the boundaries of legitimate security work. Over time, their actions have taken on an increasingly radical, ideological, and extremist character, aimed at imposing a doctrine of "Jewish supremacy" over the region and its inhabitants.
In June 2014, the Yesh Din organization published a report titled "The Wild Space," which detailed an ongoing territorial conflict in the West Bank. The report described: "An ongoing territorial struggle is unfolding between settlers – who seek to expand their control and annex as much land as possible – and Palestinian farmers and herders attempting to cultivate their lands." The situation has deteriorated over the past decade, particularly in the aftermath of the October 7 massacre and the subsequent Swords of Iron War.
The report of Yesh Din concluded that the delegation of policing and law enforcement powers to a group motivated by religious, political, or ideological interests is especially problematic in occupied territories, where the consequences of unregulated authority are particularly severe. The settlements themselves were established in blatant violation of international law and involve massive and cumulative land appropriation. The granting of such extensive powers to an interest group that openly and explicitly rejects international law is indicative of the chaos within the Israeli government in all matters relating to law enforcement in the West Bank.
The conclusion of the report, published about a decade ago, remains largely valid today: "The activities of the special forces and alert units not only fail to promote public order and the rule of law in the West Bank, but actually undermine them, thereby harming the State of Israel’s ability to fulfill its obligation under international law to protect Palestinian property and lives."
The right-wing strongly condemned the statement by the Yesh Din organization, which claimed that the MSCs selectively ignore disturbances caused by Jewish settlers while acting only against Arabs. However, reality on the ground proves otherwise. A senior security official in the region commented: "Sometimes it's like Wild West."
By law, the subordinate sovereign [IDF Central Commander] is responsible for ensuring the "welfare and benefit of the population" in the region – including both Arabs and Jews. However, MSC Talmon stated in 2019 (following the incident mentioned above): "We are not Phalangists. What guides us is the protection of the Jewish residents who live within the settlement, not the Arabs in the nearby villages –I am not supposed to be a neutral party."
It is important to emphasize that MSCs do not have the authority to issue orders or instructions to IDF soldiers (as was clearly demonstrated in the Talmon case – mid-December 2019).
The two key risk trends associated with the role of the sheriff in the U.S. seem to apply similarly to the MSCs in the West Bank: First, harming marginalized minorities in the region; Second, Joining forces with far-right elements and cooperating with them to the point of forming a single entity.
Harm to Marginalized Minorities in the Region: MSCs are among the most influential figures in thףe ongoing struggles between Jews and Arabs in the West Bank. Although they are emissaries of the military – meaning they are subject to military jurisdiction and granted policing powers – they are appointed by the settlements and perceive themselves as representatives of the interests of the settler movement.
This conflict of interest, combined with the lack of a clear definition of their powers and weak oversight of their actions, creates daily sources of friction and conflict –whether through deliberate action or negligence.
Harm to Arabs is often carried out by MSCs, who make problematic use of the weapons and equipment entrusted to them by the Israeli military. As seen in multiple cases, MSCs have exceeded their authority and have interpreted rules of engagement in ways that are contrary to official orders issued to Israel's security forces.(This was evident in numerous incidents, including: Talmon – late November 2010; Kochav Yaakov – late June 2012; Talmon – mid-December 2019; Anatot – November 2021; Har Bracha – late October 2022; Shavei Shomron – late April 2024; Yitzhar – June 2024).
Cooperation with Extreme Right-Wing Elements: MSCs maintain close ties with Hilltop Youth and farm settlers, who use sheep, cattle, and camels as tools for taking over large areas of land. MSCs actively collaborate with these groups in their struggles against Palestinian communities. These groups engage in harassment, destruction of public and private property, rioting (including arson), and in some instances, even acts of lethal violence.
Certain cases raise serious concerns about the dual loyalties of MSCs, calling into question their adherence to the rule of law (One clear example is Gilead Farm – mid-March 2022, while another explicit case of collusion with extremist right-wing settlers was uncovered in Gush Shilo – mid-November 2022). Despite this, left-wing activists argue that such collaboration is far more widespread than reported.
Opposition to left-wing activists stems from two key factors: Their assistance to Palestinian residents of the area; Their exposure of illegal settler activities and the role of MSCs in these actions.
For example, in May 2015, activists documented: "Numerous cases of Israeli soldiers and police standing idly by as Israeli civilians – including MSCs, who operate under military command and are equipped with military weapons – engage in violent attacks, throwing stones, beating Palestinian farmers, and attacking activists themselves."
