The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories Unit (COGAT) is responsible for implementing the government's policy in Judea and Samaria and vis-à-vis the Gaza Strip. In addition, COGAT constitutes the civilian authority for residential zoning and infrastructure and is responsible for addressing the needs of Israeli communities in Judea and Samaria.
The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories Unit is subordinate to the Minister of Defense and is part of the General Staff. The unit carries out and implements civilian policy of the government of Israel in Judea and Samaria and vis-à-vis the Gaza Strip in coordination and conjunction with the Prime Minister's Office, other government ministries, the security forces and the IDF General Staff.
COGAT constitutes a focal point of knowledge that combines human quality and advanced technology. It coordinates the activities of government departments, IDF and security forces vis-à-vis the Palestinians in the Judea and Samaria and the Gaza Strip.
COGAT's mission is to promote and implement the policy of the Israeli government in civilian matters, to facilitate humanitarian issues and economic and infrastructure projects in Judea and Samaria and in the Gaza Strip. In addition, COGAT leads the coordination and liaison with the Palestinian Authority and with the Palestinian population of Judea and Samaria and the Gaza Strip.
As part of its activities with the international community,COGAT facilitates the activities of international organizations active in Judea and Samaria and the Gaza Strip including in matters pertaining to infrastructure, education, health and housing projects and the implementation of humanitarian aid programs.
Through the Coordination and Liaison School, COGAT also oversees the instruction of Arabic in the IDF other various security organizations and makes sure that the civilian component is addressed in the training of IDF commanders.
The unit is comprised of the following bodies:
• Headquarters for Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories
• Civil Administration in Judea and Samaria
• District Coordination Office for Gaza
• Coordination and Liaison School