Defense Minister Ehud Barak has authorized the increased use of administrative detention to combat violence among Jews in Yehuda and Shomron. Administrative detention permits incarcerating a person without charging him with any crime or permitting him due process of law.

Barak on Wednesday met with senior security officials, including IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi, Israel Police Chief Dudi Cohen, ISA (Israel Security Agency � Shin Bet) Director Yuval Diskin and Minister of Public Security Avi Dichter to reach an understanding to better combat settler violence.

Barak�s harsh statements resulted in an immediate response, with 25 MKs including Tzachi Hanegbi (Kadima), who chairs the Knesset Foreign Affairs & Defense Committee,� demanding the same approach towards law-enforcement in Yosh be applicable to all, including the radical left-wing Anarchists.

MK (National Union) Uri Ariel stated Barak�s policy decision is contrary to a Knesset ruling and the instructions of the Supreme Court regarding limiting use of administrative detentions.

(Yechiel Spira � YWN Israel)