The Israel Border Police has been deployed in raids against Jewish
communities throughout the West Bank. In 2009, border police accompanied
bulldozers in destroying Jewish homes and buildings deemed illegal by a
government directive that froze all construction in the West Bank.
Officials said the decision to establish the border police unit came in
the wake of a clash between Jews and Israeli troops on April 20. Israeli troops
sought to prevent a group of Jews from walking to a well frequented by
Palestinians, which led to a clash in which a soldier was injured.
"The decision was made due to violent confrontations during Independence
Day," the military said.
The United States has long urged Israel's military to crack down on
Jewish residents of the West Bank. Officials said U.S. special envoy George
Mitchell has relayed Palestinian complaints of vandalism and assaults by
suspected Jewish residents of several areas of the West Bank.
Officials said the new unit would include veteran police officers with
experience in dealing with Israelis and Palestinians in the West Bank. They
did not elaborate.
"The force is expected to deal with complex challenges while
strengthening regional security," the military said.
