The IDF authorized the use of electronic monitoring bracelets to enforce restraining orders in the West Bank, in an apparent attempt to crack down on Jewish extremists in the territory.

IDF Central Command head Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth signed an order for the use of such technological monitoring devices, the military and Shin Bet announced in a joint statement Monday.

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. Last year, the government decided to stop detaining Jewish suspects under the practice. Thousands of Palestinian suspects are held in administrative detention, according to rights groups.

While Monday’s statement did not specify who would be subject to the electronic monitoring, the move appeared to target extremist settler activists, often known as “hilltop youth,” after a spike in attacks against Palestinians and IDF troops in recent months.

The step follows

© The Times of Israel