Civilian Security Coordinator

An Israeli Border Police officer points his weapon at journalists and Palestinian paramedics during clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinian protesters in north Ramallah, near the Beit El checkpoint, occupied West Bank, December 22, 2017. (Oren Ziv/Activestills)

The rebellion of Israel’s second army

Outgoing IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi hands over to his successor a ‘policing army’ that is more autonomous, settler-led, and lethal than ever.

By Yagil Levy December 26, 2022

A Jewish settler from the illegal settlement of Mitzpe Yair chases the flock and threatens the shepherds of Gwawis. He is holding an M16 rifle, issued to him by the Israeli army, as part of his paid job as a security coordinator. The law states that he is not allowed to take any action outside the settlements' borders, September 18, 2012. (photo: Shiraz Grinbaum/Activestills.org)

How the army helps settlers establish illegal outposts

Through the use of civilian security coordinators in settlements and outposts, the IDF has, essentially, privatized law enforcement in the West Bank. A further aspect of this symbiotic relationship is the army’s use of the coordinators to promote de facto recognition of unauthorized settler outposts. By Yossi Gurvitz, for Yesh Din Our first post about our report…

By +972 Magazine September 24, 2014

Illustrative photo of an Israeli settlement's civilian security coordinator. (Oren Ziv/Activestills.org)

How the IDF abdicates its monopoly on violence in the West Bank

The IDF grants arrest and other powers to civilians in West Bank settlements and outposts but fails to ensure they are held accountable. In essence, the army has privatized law enforcement. By Yossi Gurvitz, for Yesh Din Privatizing the state’s use of force should be a source of concern to us all. Such a process…

By +972 Magazine September 19, 2014

Latest

An armed settler stands with IDF troops near Nabi Saleh [illustrative photo], 19.09.2011 (Anne Paq/Activestills.org)

Sheriffs of the land: Meet the settlers with military authority

The position of the Civilian Security Officer is unique to Israel: a settler who gives orders to IDF soldiers as if he is an officer, but is not actually held responsible under the military system. So, to whom is he accountable? By Yesh Din, written by Yossi Gurvitz I remember my first Ravshatz (Hebrew acronym…

By +972 Magazine March 10, 2013