A ministerial committee on Monday decided to take a harder line on disruptions of order by settlers by stepping up the use of restraining orders against violent settlers.

The committee, which was set up in order to address disorderly conduct by settlers, also decided to require a certain level of police presence in areas prone to settler violence. These forces are to be trained in these areas and be stationed in them regularly.

Defense Minister Amir Peretz said during the discussion that the state must act decisively to enforce the law in order to prevent a situation in which violence by Jews is backed by the security forces. According to him, "enforcing the law is not subject to interpretation."

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Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and Public Security Minister Avi Dichter also participated in the discussion.

The committee was set up two weeks ago following the release of footage Hebron settler Yifat Alkobi cursing and harassing the Palestinian Abu Aisha family, as a soldier stands near by.

About two months ago, the Knesset was informed that there are 16 standing restraining orders against settlers. Restraining order are not issued as a punitive measure, but rather to prevent violent acts from being committed in the future.

MKs on both sides of the political spectrum criticized movement restriction orders during the discussion, saying these were not democratic.

Human rights organizations criticized the government's decision. The B'Tselem Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories said that while the law should be better enforced against violent settlers, administrative measures should not be used fir punitive purposes.

"The use of restraining orders against settlers violates their fundamental rights and should be allowed only in rare cases in which no other, less-harmful measures are available."

In place of orders that would expel settlers from their homes, B'Tselem is calling on the government to give soldiers explicit orders to intervene when settlers attack Palestinians.

Commenting on the decision, the National Union party said the ministers' decision was "in complete opposition to the Knesset's decision."

The party's statement refers to the Knesset's decision last month to condemn the restraining orders, supported by all non-Arab parties. National Union members say the cabinet ministers are bound by the Knesset decision.

Deputy State Prosecutor Shai Nitzan said the restrictive orders are preventative, meaning they could prevent future risks. According to him, and person facing an impending restraining order has the right to appeal and stand trial and even has access to a summary of the evidence against him or her.