Shin Bet says Katz didn’t hold security consult before deciding to free settlers from administrative detention

Defense Minister Israel Katz did not consult with the Shin Bet security agency before announcing his decision to free West Bank settlers held under administrative detention orders.

The Shin Bet says that Katz decided without checking with the agency regarding the security implications of the move.

Katz in November announced an end to administrative detention orders for West Bank settlers, meaning Israel now only uses the controversial policy of holding suspects without charge against Palestinian terror suspects.

Several Jewish Israeli suspects were still being held in administrative detention when Katz made the November decision, and they were due to be released when their orders expired. Now they will be released early as a result of today’s announcement.