The unprecedented gunfight in Jenin on Friday, during which Warrant Officer Noam Raz was killed in a clash with terrorists, could bring about a change in the rules of engagement in the West Bank, Channel 12 News reported Monday.
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According to the report, the IDF is currently exploring whether extraordinary circumstances, such as those that presented themselves during the three-hour battle in Jenin, warrant the use of airpower in urban warfare.
The latter presents a myriad of challenges for Israeli counterterrorism forces, and airpower is rarely in use – in line with the Israeli military's efforts to exercise caution while operating in densely populated areas, so as to minimize any harm to civilians.
Officers who were on the ground during the May 13 skirmish said the troops came under fire from all directions, with dozens of Palestinian terrorists firing at them.
According to the report, the post-op analysis of the fight has made the military realize it would need to step up not only the use of combat helicopters but also other means. The report noted that senior officers were aware of the complexities of using airpower as part of urban warfare, "but it is unclear whether there is any other choice."
Also on Monday, Israeli intelligence learned that an Arab Israeli man was among the terrorists who were wounded in the clash on Friday.
The man, who has a Palestinian father and an Israeli mother, resides in Jenin – a known Islamic Jihad stronghold - and has joined the fighting against Israel.
The report was unclear on whether the man was affiliated with the Islamic Jihad or a mercenary.
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