The IDF is redefining the firepower of the combat forces, apparently as a result of the political pressure exerted on Israel. The change requires combat units to exercise greater caution and precision when opening fire.
IDF changes open-fire procedures, photo: IDF Spokesperson
Expansion of operations in Khan Yunis. The instructions will make it difficult for the fighters, photo: IDF Spokesperson
The meaning of the guidelines is that only in the event that a terrorist has been identified with certainty, soldiers are allowed to shoot at him. On the other hand, even suspicion of a terrorist, suspicion of terrorist infrastructure, suspicion of a booby-trapped structure, or a terrorist who fled into a certain area – do not allow forces to open fire without the approval of the commander of the Southern Command.
It should be noted that such a permit cannot be obtained quickly during combat, therefore, in practice, even though soldiers sense danger, they cannot fire. As noted, artillery fire, tank fire or air force bombing cannot be carried out in such cases, even though these are areas where no Gazan civilians live and from which Hamas attacked IDF soldiers many times.
IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevy with OC Southern Command, photo: IDF Spokesperson
According to testimony obtained by Israel Hayom, in two cases in the past week units that requested preliminary air softening were refused.
In the political and security establishments, various explanations are heard for the definitions of firepower. It seems that the demands of President Biden and his people to minimize harm to "non-involved civilians" is one of the main reasons for this.
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