The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT; Hebrew: מתאם פעולות הממשלה בשטחים) is a unit in the Israeli Ministry of Defense tasked with overseeing civilian policy in the West Bank, as well as facilitating logistical coordination between Israel and the Gaza Strip. It operates in collaboration with Israeli governmental and defense officials. COGAT operates under the authority of Israel's Minister of Defense and is led by a major general who is part of the general staff of the IDF.
COGAT's objective is to advance and execute the policies of the Israeli government concerning civilian affairs, including the facilitation of humanitarian issues, the promotion of humanitarian projects, and the facilitation of infrastructure and financial initiatives. It collaborates with the international community, encompassing governmental and non-governmental organizations, to contribute to the development and enhancement of the living standards of Palestinians residing in the areas it prioritizes.
COGAT's headquarters are in the Kirya compound in Tel Aviv. The unit headed by the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, Major-General Yoram Halevi.
Contents
Gaza Strip
Civilian coordination
COGAT is responsible for managing the civilian fabric of life and facilitating essential services for the population in the West Bank and, to a more limited extent, the Gaza Strip. Its responsibilities include issuing work and trade permits, supporting economic and industrial activities, and ensuring the operation of key civilian infrastructure such as water, electricity, gas, cellular services, and mail. It also provides services to the Israeli population residing in the West Bank and coordinates activities with foreign entities, including diplomats, aid organizations, media outlets, and religious groups.
Security coordination
COGAT oversees mechanisms for security-related coordination with the Palestinian security system to preserve strategic stability in the area. Following the establishment of the Palestinian Authority in 1994, direct Israeli control over the Palestinian population in the Gaza Strip ceased, and the Israeli Civil Administration there was dissolved, limiting direct operational responsibility primarily to Areas B and C of the West Bank.