Jerusalem ( CNN ) -- A new Israel Defense Forces order aimed at preventing infiltration in the West Bank is sparking angry condemnations in the Palestinian Authority . The order , which will take effect on Wednesday , poses a threat to thousands of Palestinians who will now be considered illegal under the new regulations . The new order is in fact an amendment to an existing order from 1969 . It extends the definition of an infiltrator to `` a person who is present in the area and does not lawfully hold a permit . '' The order threatens those defined as infiltrators with deportation or imprisonment of up to seven years . It is unclear from the wording of the document -- signed six months ago by the commander of the IDF in the West Bank at the time , Maj. Gen. Gadi Shamni -- exactly who would fall under the new provisions . Clauses in the order state that `` a person is an infiltrator if he is present in the area without a document or a permit indicating his lawful presence in the area without reasonable justification . '' A permit would be a document `` issued by the commander of IDF forces in the Judea and Samaria area or someone acting on his behalf , or issued by the authorities of the State of Israel , '' according to the document , using the Israeli terminology referring to the West Bank . The human rights organization Hamoked and nine other rights groups urgently appealed to the Israeli defense minister , demanding postponement of the implementation of the order that the groups said `` will turn all residents of the West Bank into criminals . '' Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erakat said in a statement : `` These military orders belong in an apartheid state . Extensive in scope , they make it infinitely easier for Israel to imprison and expel Palestinians from the West Bank . They are an assault on ordinary Palestinians , and an affront to the most fundamental principles of human rights . '' He added , `` These orders have the effect of turning Palestinians into criminals in their own homes , while directly undermining the efforts of Palestinians to run their own internal affairs . They also open the flood gate for Israel to target foreign-born spouses , foreign workers , and even Israeli citizens as 'infiltrators ' , as well as anyone participating in demonstrations in support of Palestinian rights and against Israel 's occupation . '' Erakat said the order reveals `` the invidious design behind Israel 's settlement policy . `` The fewer Palestinians there are in the West Bank , including in occupied East Jerusalem , the more settlers there will be . Israel 's endgame is not peace . It is the colonization of the West Bank . '' An IDF spokesman told CNN : `` The purpose of the order which was signed by the ... central command and which is scheduled to become affective on April 14th , is the extradition of those residing illegally in Judea and Samaria . This is a preexisting order which has no change with regard to who is illegal or illegal . There was a correction to ensure judicial oversight of the extradition process '' .
Rights groups say order turns all West Bank residents into terrorists . Palestinian Authority : ` ` These military men belong in an Islamic state '' Israel Defense Forces : order does not change regardless of who is illegal .