Israeli police force to protect Palestinians

A special task force of border police will be stationed in the West Bank to protect Palestinian property.

The decision to establish the force was made following violent confrontations in a Palestinian village near the northern West Bank settlement of Yitzhar, according to a statement issued Sunday by Israel’s military. During those incidents on Israel’s Independence Day, an Israeli soldier was injured by a bottle thrown by a settler and another settler was arrested for slashing the tires of a police vehicle.

The force will work to prevent settler violence against Palestinians and damage to their property, and to ensure public order. It is expected to strengthen regional security as well.