The IDF is changing its rules of engagement policy in Judea and Samaria and will now allow soldiers to shoot stone-throwers and firebombers after the act and even as they are running away, the Kan 11 public broadcaster reported on Sunday.
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The new rules of engagement have been conveyed to combat troops in recent weeks. According to the new policy, any live fire engagement must occur within the "area of combat," in other words, immediately after the incident and only when soldiers deem their lives to be in imminent danger.
The IDF decided to implement the change around one month ago, with the main change being permission to shoot weapons and ammunition thieves from IDF bases and firing ranges. The new policies will also give IDF troops stationed along the Egyptian border better tools to combat illicit smuggling activities.
The exact rules of engagement are considered classified and cannot be detailed in full, and it's important to note that soldiers are still bound to a certain arrest protocol. Now, however, they will be able to engage smugglers and thieves.
Im Tirtzu, a Zionist non-governmental organization, has been lobbying to change the army's rules of engagement on behalf of IDF troops.
"We welcome the critical change to the rules of engagement, after more than a decade in which the hands of IDF soldiers were tied," said Im Tirtzu Chairman Matan Peleg.
"Now, soldiers will be able to shoot stone-throwers even if they are running away – as long as they are in the field [of combat]. This is a welcome change that will help [IDF] forces put an end to the out-of-control stone-throwing that has become rampant in recent months. We hope this isn't just another directive … that will then be neutered in operational briefings, and that IDF soldiers will receive backing all the way, not just from their commanders but from the Military Advocate General," said Peleg.
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