IDF authorizes technological monitoring to enforce West Bank restraining orders on settlers

The IDF and Shin Bet announce in a joint statement that Central Command head Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth has signed an order authorizing the use of technological monitoring to enforce movement restriction orders in the West Bank.

The measure is meant to replace administrative detention — the practice of holding terror suspects without charge in cases where authorities believe revealing evidence would harm national security — after the government last year decided to stop using it on Jewish suspects.

While the statement does not specify who would be subject to the monitoring, the move appears to target extremist settler activists, or “hilltop youth,” after a recent uptick in attacks against Palestinians and IDF troops.

According to the security agencies, the decision follows directives from Israel’s political echelon and coordinated staff work involving the IDF, Shin Bet, Israel Police, Justice Ministry, and the legal adviser for the West Bank.

The order allows authorities to mandate the installation of “technological monitoring measures” on individuals under administrative orders restricting their movement in the West Bank, and to monitor violations of those restraining orders accordingly, amid efforts to curb a recent uptick in settler violence against Palestinians and IDF troops.

The move follows reports in November that Shin Bet chief David Zini recommended approving the use of electronic monitoring bracelets on extremist settlers, viewing the measure as more effective than existing restraining orders that bar suspects from entering the West Bank.

Officials stress that breaching the restraining orders or damaging the monitoring equipment constitutes a criminal offense and may lead to prosecution.

The Honenu legal aid organization, which often represents hilltop youth, says it will appeal the unprecedented order.